The most feared but also the most studied of all sharks and yet still, very little is known about the White Shark. In spite of the research that has been done, very little is known such as it's mating habits or it's reproduction. Also known as "Whitey" and several other names it can reach lengths of up to 25 feet and weigh up to an average of 1500 pounds. It is found in almost all the world's oceans but appear more often off the coast of California in the U.S., South Africa, and Australia. It ranks highest in the number of attacks on humans. However, it must be said that very few of these attacks are fatal. The reason being; a case of mistaken identity is one conclusion that can reached. Another is that the "attack" could be the result of an exploratory bite. Humans are considered to be unpalletable for the White Shark. This is to say that the shark prefers the texture to that of a more fatty substance. It is known to feed on fish until it reaches the juvenile stage where it then begins to feed on larger prey such as sea otters, turtles, and other small mammals. Once it reaches adulthood, the White Shark primarily feeds on pinnipeds (commonly known as seals and sea-lions), dolphins, and even other sharks. In most cases the human victim is usually on the surface as with a "surfer" waiting for the next wave. Despite the sharks keen eyesight (what was once thought of as being poor) the surfer on a board significantly resembles a seal from below. Once the shark makes it's initial attack, it briefly leaves it's prey to die so it won't be harmed in a struggle. Often times White Sharks have been wounded by the sharp claws of pinnipeds which can be evidenced by the scars they bare. It should be noted that some of these scars may have occured during mating.

For more information and pictures you can try Great White Images from Doug Long.