Although the great white shark in Jaws drew inspiration from a real incident in New Jersey, the true nature of this legendary creature is far less formidable than its fictional counterpart. As scientific research on these elusive predators increases, their image as mindless killing machines is beginning to fade.

As scientific research on these majestic predators intensifies, a more nuanced understanding of great white sharks emerges, revealing their intricate behaviors and ecological significance. The fading perception of them as mindless killing machines paves the way for a deeper appreciation of their role in the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

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Found in cool, coastal waters around the world, great whites are the largest predatory fish on Earth. They grow to an average of 15 feet in length, though specimens exceeding 20 feet and weighing up to 5,000 pounds have been recorded.

Highly adapted predators, their mouths are lined with up to 300 serrated, triangular teeth arranged in several rows, and they have an exceptional sense of smell to detect prey.