Great white sharks are apex predators of the ocean, captivating human imagination with their sheer size and power. The pursuit of identifying the largest recorded great white shark highlights the impressive scale these animals can reach and the challenges in documenting them.
The Search for the Largest Great White
Determining the largest recorded great white shark involves examining both historical accounts and modern observations, often revealing a range of reported sizes. Among the most reliably measured specimens, a female great white caught off Prince Edward Island in August 1988 measured 6.1 meters (20 feet) in length, a figure verified by the Canadian Shark Research Center. Another notable, reliably measured great white shark was a 5.94-meter (19.5-foot) specimen reported from Ledge Point, Western Australia, in 1987, although the exact measurement method for its caudal fin position remains unclear.
“Deep Blue,” a female great white shark, is widely recognized as one of the largest ever filmed, with estimates placing her at 6.1 meters (20 feet) or possibly larger. While her size is often cited, precise measurements of Deep Blue are debated, with some estimates ranging from 5.5 to 5.8 meters (18 to 19 feet). This impressive shark was first spotted near Guadalupe Island, Mexico, and later gained widespread attention from footage near Hawaii. Historically, a great white reportedly caught off Cuba in 1945 was initially claimed to be 6.4 meters (21 feet), but later studies revised its length to approximately 4.9 meters (16 feet), placing it within a more typical size range.
Challenges in Confirming Records
Confirming the definitive size of the largest great white shark presents significant challenges due to the practical difficulties of measuring large, wild marine animals. Directly measuring a shark in its natural habitat is often not feasible, as it requires safely catching and restraining the animal, which can be detrimental to its well-being. Instead, researchers often rely on visual estimates, photographic analysis, or comparisons with known objects, such as a 3.3-meter (10.8-foot) cage used as a reference point during cage-diving expeditions.
These estimation methods, while useful, introduce uncertainty. Visual estimates can be inaccurate, with accuracy varying based on the observer’s experience; scientists tend to be more precise than general observers. Historical records often lack rigorous scientific verification and precise measurement techniques, leading to exaggerated or misidentified claims. Furthermore, different measurement standards, such as total length versus fork length, can complicate comparisons between reported sizes.
Notable Giants and Their Stories
Other exceptionally large great white sharks have captured public attention and contributed to understanding their maximum size. “Deep Blue” remains a prominent example, noted for her estimated length and substantial girth, which suggested she might have been pregnant during some sightings. Her calm demeanor when interacting with divers has made her a symbol of the species.
In more recent times, a male great white shark nicknamed “Contender” was tagged by OCEARCH in January 2025 off Florida’s coast, becoming the largest great white ever documented by their organization in the Atlantic. This shark measured 4.19 meters (13 feet 9 inches) and weighed approximately 749 kilograms (1,653 pounds). While not approaching the largest historical claims, such individuals provide valuable data for ongoing research into great white shark populations and their life cycles. Unconfirmed reports of even larger sharks, such as the “Submarine” rumored to be over 7 meters (23 feet) in False Bay during the 1980s, remain largely anecdotal.