Great white sharks are powerful predators known for breaching, a behavior where they launch themselves partially or entirely out of the water. This phenomenon offers a glimpse into their predatory prowess and strength.
Understanding Breaching Behavior
Breaching is a hunting technique used by great white sharks, particularly when targeting agile prey like seals or sea lions near the surface. The shark initiates an attack from deeper waters, accelerating rapidly towards its unsuspecting prey. This upward thrust surprises its target, often disorienting it upon impact. Breaching is an ambush strategy, leveraging the shark’s speed and stealth to gain an advantage over fast-moving marine mammals. Factors like prey location, water depth, and visibility influence whether a great white shark will use this method.
Reaching for the Sky: Documented Heights
Great white sharks can propel themselves out of the water, with typical breaches reaching 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 meters). Observations often occur in specific locations known for high predatory activity, such as Seal Island in False Bay, South Africa. This area, home to a large colony of Cape fur seals, provides an ideal hunting ground where sharks frequently launch themselves into the air. A great white shark was recorded breaching 15 feet (4.57 meters) in False Bay, and in 2021, a female great white named Zola reportedly set a new record with a 15-foot 6-inch breach. These leaps are often captured during research or documentary filming, sometimes using seal-shaped decoys.
The Physics and Purpose Behind the Leap
A great white shark’s leaps involve speed, body design, and tail strength. These sharks can reach 25 to 40 miles per hour (40 to 64 km/h) in short bursts, using their caudal fin (tail) to generate thrust from deep underwater. Their streamlined bodies and large proportion of white muscle facilitate rapid accelerations, enabling them to burst upwards at a steep angle. The attack typically begins from depths of 6 to 30 meters, with the shark swimming vertically towards the surface.
While hunting is the primary reason for breaching, other potential purposes exist for this display. Some researchers suggest breaching may help sharks dislodge parasites from their skin. This behavior might also serve as a form of communication or a display of dominance, particularly among males. Breaching is not a common occurrence due to the high energy expenditure required for such a massive animal to launch itself clear of the water.