Spectacular Breaching of a Great White Shark Off the Coast of South Africa

Putting on a great show, we are presented with a great white shark! It was filmed breaching near the coast of South Africa. The footage, captured by a team of marine biologists, filmed the shark leaping fully out of the water. The video below created an uproar, fascinating viewers globally.

Breach Captured on Camera

A great white shark leaps from the water to take a chunk out of a seal decoy. These full breaches were conceived using a foam rubber seal decoy, which was dragged behind a shark cage diving boat as a way of attracting the hungry predator.

Behind the Scenes

in Cape Town, between June and August of 2013 and 2014, these shots was taken by filmmakers Mark van Coller and Morne Hardenberg. The footage shows the hunting behavior of great white sharks to the T. Getting such amazing shots like these is only possible if the conditions are right. As was that day which had calm seas and clear visibility.

The Power of Great Whites

These apex predators can launch themselves out of the water with outstanding speed and force. They are driven by their powerful tail fin and streamlined bodies, which are designed for acceleration.

Decoys in Shark Research

Using a foam rubber seal decoy is a common technique in shark research and filming. The decoy mimics the appearance and movement of a real seal. Therefore, it triggers the shark’s natural hunting instincts and gives researchers an opportunity to observe these breaches.

Q&A on Great White Shark Physical Features

1. What is the Size of a Great White Shark?

Great white sharks can grow to an average length of 15-20 feet. They weigh between 1,500 and 4,000 pounds.

2. What Color are Great White Sharks?

Great white sharks have a distinctive coloration with a white underbelly and a grey top.

3. How Sharp are a Great White Shark’s Teeth?

Great white sharks have extremely sharp. They are serrated teeth designed for cutting through flesh.

4. How Many Teeth Do Great White Sharks Have?

Great white sharks have about 300 teeth arranged in several rows.

5. What is the Structure of a Great White Shark’s Fins?

Great white sharks have a large dorsal fin on their back, pectoral fins on the sides for steering, a powerful caudal (tail) fin for propulsion. Lastly, they have a smaller pelvic and anal fins for stability.

6. How Strong is a Great White Shark’s Bite?

A great white shark’s bite is estimated to exert a force of up to 4,000 psi (pounds per square inch).

7. What is the Skin Texture of a Great White Shark?

The skin of a great white shark is rough and sandpaper-like.

8. What Shape is a Great White Shark’s Body?

Great white sharks have a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body that allows them to swim efficiently as fast as 25 mph (40 km/h).

9. What is Unique About a Great White Shark’s Eyes?

Great white sharks have black eyes with great vision. They can roll their eyes backward for protection when attacking prey.

10. How Does a Great White Shark’s Nose Function?

A great white shark’s nose has special organs called ampullae of Lorenzini. These organs detect the electromagnetic fields produced by other animals. Overall, helping them find their prey.

11. How Does a Great White Shark Breathe?

Great white sharks breathe by passing water over their gills. This then extracts oxygen from the water. They must keep moving to for a continuous flow of water over their gills!

12. What is the Role of the Great White Shark’s Caudal Fin?

The tail fin of a great white shark gives a powerful propulsion.

13. How Does a Great White Shark’s Jaw Function?

The jaw of a great white shark is highly flexible and allows it to thrust forward when biting! This creates a tight grip.

14. What Adaptations Help a Great White Shark Hunt?

Great white sharks have several adaptations for hunting. These include a keen sense of smell, acute vision, powerful muscles and a streamlined body for speed.

15. How Long Can a Great White Shark Live?

They live up to 30-40 years.

Bottom Line

Overall, the breaching footage of the great white shark near South Africa reminds us of the beauty and abilities of these huge predators! Understanding the great white shark helps us understand their importance in our world and its ecosystems.

Thanks for reading along for more, check out our related article link below.