Great White Shark Photographed In Australia Could Be Largest Ever Seen (2025)

Cue the “Jaws” quotes – a seven-meter-long (22-foot) shark has been reportedly photographed off the coast of Australia. The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) was spotted just 100 meters (328 feet) offshore from Marino Rocks in Adelaide, South Australia on Sunday, January 17.

Unverified Report of Massive Shark

Although the report remains unverified, the helicopter crew who observed the shark estimated it to be 7 meters long. If true, this would be one of the biggest great whites ever photographed. There are some hazy historical records of these sharks growing to almost 11 meters (36 feet), however, the largest verified specimen was recorded as 6.4 meters (21 feet) long.

The image was posted on the Shark Alerts South Australia Facebook page. The post said the shark-spotters “used their Jet Boat to compare the size which is around 6m and the shark was bigger.”

Mixed Online Response

The post was met with a mixed response online. While most people seem in a mixed state of awe and alarm, many are skeptical about the measurement of the shark. However, as one commenter pointed out: “Don’t really matter if it’s 4-5-6 or 7 meters. It’s a BIG shark! When you’re in the water with a [great] white, what’s a small one?”

Great White Shark Q&A Physical Characteristics

How Big Can Great White Sharks Get?

Great white sharks can grow up to 6.4 meters (21 feet) long, with unverified reports of individuals reaching 7 meters (23 feet) or more.

What is the Average Size of a Great White Shark?

The average size of a great white shark is about 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16 feet) in length.

How Much Do Great White Sharks Weigh?

Great white sharks typically weigh between 680 and 1,100 kilograms (1,500 to 2,450 pounds).

What is the Body Shape of a Great White Shark?

Great white sharks have a robust, torpedo-shaped body that is streamlined for efficient swimming.

What is the Skin Texture of a Great White Shark?

The skin of a great white shark is rough and covered in tiny, tooth-like structures called dermal denticles.

How Many Teeth Do Great White Sharks Have?

Great white sharks have approximately 300 serrated teeth arranged in several rows.

What is the Bite Force of a Great White Shark?

The bite force of a great white shark is estimated to be around 1.8 tons per square inch.

How Do Great White Sharks Detect Prey?

Great white sharks have highly developed senses, including smell, vision, and the ability to detect electromagnetic fields produced by other animals.

What Coloration Do Great White Sharks Exhibit?

Great white sharks have a distinct coloration with a white underside and a gray to blue-gray back, which helps with camouflage.

How Fast Can Great White Sharks Swim?

Great white sharks can swim at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour (40 kilometers per hour) in short bursts.

How Long Do Great White Sharks Live?

Great white sharks can live for up to 70 years or more.

What is the Reproductive Behavior of Great White Sharks?

Great white sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young that develop inside eggs within the mother’s body.

How Many Offspring Do Great White Sharks Produce?

Female great white sharks give birth to a small number of well-developed pups, usually between 2 and 10 per litter.

Where Are Great White Sharks Found?

Great white sharks are found in coastal and offshore waters around the world, particularly in temperate and subtropical regions.

What is the Diet of Great White Sharks?

Great white sharks primarily feed on marine mammals, fish, and seabirds.

Bottom Line

Overall, the sighting of the reportedly 7-meter-long great white shark off the coast of Australia has sparked both awe and skepticism. Understanding the physical characteristics and behaviors of great white sharks helps us to appreciate their role in the ocean ecosystem.

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• 5 Largest Great White Sharks Ever Recorded