When the shark is near the surface, the dorsal fin and part of the tail are visible above the water. This is useful in hunting prey. The great white usually strikes from below and its grayish top coloration blends in with the dark water, enabling it to approach the prey unobserved. Great whites average 12-16 feet long. The largest great white shark on record was 23 feet long, weighing about 7,000 pounds.
Females are larger than males, as with most sharks.
Shark pups can be over five feet long at birth. Habits Young great white sharks eat fish, rays, and other sharks. Adults eat larger prey. They also eat carrion. Great whites do not chew their food.