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The maximum size attained by white sharks remains a matter
of debate. Adult females were reported to attain 7 metres
based on specimens from Australia (Kangaroo Island, 1987) and the
Mediterranean (Filfla, Malta, 1987). Mediterranean female was reported as 713cm TL by local sources, but can be demonstrated, on the basis of a previously unexamined photo scrutinised in October 1998, to be considerably smaller at circa 530cm TL. It is realistic to suggest that maximum length of this species actually lies in the range of 550 to 600 cm TL.
The smallest free-swimming examples appear to be ca. 120cm
TL (total length).
Lengths at maturity for both sexes remain somewhat
undetermined, and based on (currently limited) age-growth data
it may be possible that different populations mature at
varying lengths.
The majority of females mature at between 450-500cm TL (Francis, 1996), but
have been reported as immature at sizes as much as 472cm (Springer, 1939).
Males mature at about 350-360cm (Pratt, 1996). A single study of age and growth, pooled from 21 specimens (Cailliet et al., 1985) suggests a generalised age of maturity of 10-12 years.
A mature female of 500cm is calculated to have reached ca.
14 to 16 years of age.
The Shark Trust, 36 Kingfisher Court, Hambridge
Road,
Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5SJ, UK., Tel:(+44) 01635 551150 Fax:(+44) 01635
550230
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