White sharks are some of the largest sharks in the ocean: They can grow more than 20 feet long and weigh more than 2.5 tons. That makes them the largest predatory fish in the world—even though whale sharks and basking sharks are bigger, they are filter feeders rather than active predators, like white sharks. Their bodies are designed for hunting: White sharks have an excellent sense of smell and sharp, serrated teeth that are perfect for capturing and tearing apart prey. Unlike many shark species that are cold blooded, white sharks are warm-blooded, meaning they can raise their internal temperature above the temperature of the water. This helps them have the energy to burst forward while hunting.

White sharks are mostly solo swimmers, but you can occasionally find them in small groups, especially if there is food around.