The great white shark is a streamlined swimmer and a ferocious predator with 3,000 teeth at any one time. 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 its 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.
Females are larger than males, as with most sharks.
Great whites do not chew their food. Their teeth rip prey into mouth-sized pieces which are swallowed whole. A big meal can satisfy a great white for up to 2 months. The great white shark has 3,000 teeth at any one time. The teeth are located in rows which rotate into use as needed.