The great white shark is a prominent marine predator and apex predator, known for its imposing size and powerful presence. This species sits at the top of the food chain across various global waters. Its reputation often leads to questions about its feeding habits, particularly whether it consumes sea lions given their frequent co-occurrence.
Sea Lions as Prey
Great white sharks prey on sea lions, making them a significant part of their diet in specific regions. Sea lions are a preferred food source due to their high caloric content, particularly the thick blubber layer. This rich nutritional value fuels the shark’s large body and active metabolism. The abundance of sea lion colonies in areas frequented by great whites further contributes to their role as a consistent food source.
Newly weaned sea lion pups, weighing around 60 pounds, are particularly vulnerable. Their limited experience and fighting skills make them an easier target than adult sea lions. The presence of these colonies draws great white sharks to specific offshore islands, creating predictable hunting grounds.
Hunting Techniques
Great white sharks employ specific methods when hunting sea lions, often relying on ambush tactics. They typically approach prey from below, utilizing surprise. This strategy involves swimming swiftly upwards, using the sun’s glare to conceal their ascent.
A common hunting technique is “breaching,” where the shark launches itself partially or entirely out of the water. This powerful breach occurs when sharks propel themselves at high speeds to capture agile prey like sea lions or seals at the surface. After an initial strike, the shark may release the sea lion, allowing it to weaken before returning to consume it. This approach helps the shark avoid injury from struggling prey.
Dietary Context and Other Prey
While sea lions are a notable food source, the great white shark’s diet is diverse and adapts based on age, size, and geographic location. Juvenile great white sharks primarily consume fish, including bottom-dwelling species, rays, and smaller sharks. Their jaws are not yet strong enough to handle larger marine mammals.
As great white sharks mature, their diet shifts to include more marine mammals. Besides sea lions, their adult diet can include seals, dolphins, porpoises, and even small whales. They are also opportunistic feeders and will scavenge on carrion, such as dead whales. Other prey items include large fish like tuna and swordfish, sea turtles, and seabirds.