Measurements are given here in either centimeters (cm) or millimeters (mm), however if the original reported measurements were given in either feet (ft) or inches (in) this was specified. Methods: Every specimen referred to in this study was taken from previous works, which documented their capture and measurement. Comments on the reliability of these reports were made, and in doing so some clarity on the maximum size of the species was offered. This study aimed to compile and examine a number of historical reports of white sharks, which allegedly exceeded 600 cm TL. Some measure TL with the caudal fin resting flat, some with the caudal fin in its natural position and some choose to exclude the length of the caudal fin entirely (Mollet et al., 1996).Īnalysing of jaw and fin morphometrics, as well as of photographs of the freshly caught specimens are some of the methods used by researchers in recent decades to either validate or discredit the reported size of white sharks (Randall, 1973) (De Maddalena, 2001). Another factor complicating the issue further, is that different researchers will use different methods to measure the size of the shark. Because many of the largest specimens were never reliably measured it is extremely difficult to determine the true maximum size of the species. The majority of reports of white sharks measuring in excess of 600 cm TL, are simply inaccurate and unreliable anecdotes, the giant shark in question is discarded before its reported size can be authenticated by an expert. It was not until the 1970s that experts began to question the validity of some of the reported exceptional sizes attributed to the white shark. The problem concerns the validity of these reports, fishermen unfortunately tend to exaggerate the size of the sharks they catch and historically reports of exceptionally large white sharks have remained unchallenged. ![]() While it is agreed upon that the mean TL for adult female white sharks is 403 cm and for adult males just 360 cm, there are numerous reports that indicate large female white sharks are able to exceed 600 cm TL (McClain et al., 2015). The maximum size of a species is an important factor, affecting how an organism interacts with its environment, as such there has been considerable study on this topic. Introduction: The maximum size of the white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) is one of the most heavily debated topics in the field of marine science. Examining the reports of exceptionally large white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias), and comments made on the maximum size of the species.
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