A great white shark, or Carcharodon carcharias, is a large shark that inhabits the coastal waters of all oceans. It is the largest macro-predatory fish on Earth.
Great white sharks average approximately 3.6 meters in length, though they can reach up to 6.1 meters and weigh up to 5,000 pounds. The International Union for Conservation of Nature considers the great white shark to be a vulnerable species. Its reputation for being one of the world's greatest predators has made it a favorite target of sport fishermen. Once thought to inhabit primarily warm, temperate waters, it is now known to inhabit all waters.