<P> The great white shark has a robust, large, conical snout . The upper and lower lobes on the tail fin are approximately the same size which is similar to some mackerel sharks . A great white displays countershading, by having a white underside and a grey dorsal area (sometimes in a brown or blue shade) that gives an overall mottled appearance . The coloration makes it difficult for prey to spot the shark because it breaks up the shark's outline when seen from the side . From above, the darker shade blends with the sea and from below it exposes a minimal silhouette against the sunlight . Great white sharks, like many other sharks, have rows of serrated teeth behind the main ones, ready to replace any that break off . When the shark bites, it shakes its head side - to - side, helping the teeth saw off large chunks of flesh . </P> <P> In great white sharks, sexual dimorphism is present, and females are generally larger than males . Male great whites on average measure 3.4 to 4.0 m (11 to 13 ft) long, while females at 4.6 to 4.9 m (15 to 16 ft). Adults of this species weigh 522--771 kg (1,151--1,700 lb) on average, however mature females can have an average mass of 680--1,110 kg (1,500--2,450 lb). The largest females have been verified up to 6.1 m (20 ft) in length and an estimated 1,950 kg (4,300 lb) in weight, perhaps up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lb). The maximum size is subject to debate because some reports are rough estimations or speculations performed under questionable circumstances . Among living cartilaginous fish, only the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) and the giant manta ray (Manta birostris), in that order, average larger and heavier . These three species are generally quite docile in disposition and given to passively filter - feeding on very small organisms . This makes the great white shark the largest extant macropredatory fish . Great white sharks are at around 1.2 m (3.9 ft) when born, and grow about 25 cm (9.8 in) each year . </P> <P> According to J. E. Randall, the largest white shark reliably measured was a 5.94 m (19.5 ft) individual reported from Ledge Point, Western Australia in 1987 . Another great white specimen of similar size has been verified by the Canadian Shark Research Center: A female caught by David McKendrick of Alberton, Prince Edward Island, in August 1988 in the Gulf of St. Lawrence off Prince Edward Island . This female great white was 6.1 m (20 ft) long . However, there was a report considered reliable by some experts in the past, of a larger great white shark specimen from Cuba in 1945 . This specimen was 6.4 m (21 ft) long and had a body mass estimated at 3,324 kg (7,328 lb). However, later studies also revealed that this particular specimen was actually around 4.9 m (16 ft) in length, a specimen in the average maximum size range . </P> <P> The largest great white recognized by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is one caught by Alf Dean in the south Australian waters in 1959, weighing 1,208 kg (2,663 lb). Several larger great whites caught by anglers have since been verified, but were later disallowed from formal recognition by IGFA monitors for rules violations . </P>

How big is the largest known great white shark