Rockwall Veterinary Clinic says anyone who has seen the blockbuster movie, Jaws will find it difficult to imagine the great white shark as being endangered by anything. However, this shark has simply been over hunted from 1970 until now. This species takes a long time to reach sexual maturity. When overfishing occurs, the reproduction rate drops radically.

Any fisherman catching one of these creatures within 200 nautical miles of New Zealand, for one example, can be jailed for six months and fined a quarter of a million dollars. Other countries impose their own penalties.

The great white shark by other names is called the white death and the white pointer. Its scientific classification is Carcharodon carcharias. Seen mostly in coastal waters (off all countries). It can reach a length of 20 feet (6 metres) and 4,940 pounds (2,240 kilograms).

The life span is 30 to 100 years. Sexual maturity occurs at approximately fifteen years. Men hate it because it eats (among many other things), seals an sea lions. Porpoises and dolphins are on its menu as well. It does consume fish of all kinds too.

In spite of the image portrayed by the novel and movie, humans are not the first food choice of the great white. However, none among us would try to prove that fact. The great white may be endangered, but endangering seems a more appropriate term.

This predator inhabits almost all coastal waters with a temperature of 12 to 24 celcius (54 to 75 degrees Farenheit). They are more abundant near southern Australia, South Africa, Mexico and California, USA. They are found in the Caribbean and Massachusetts, USA as well.

With a white underbelly and a gray dorsal area, it can be thought of as somewhat camouflaged with a mottled color including brown and blue. The snout is conical and the teeth are serrated amassed in rows. As it feeds, it shakes its head, sawing off pieces of flesh.

Not much is known about the mating habits of this great white shark that is so feared. Theories include migration has something to do with it. Scientists have also talked about feeding on a dead whale together incites the urge to mate. Perhaps someday more will be learned.