The biggest great white shark ever found was recently discovered in the Atlantic. Scientists named him Contender. He was tagged in January 2025, and is making headlines. He’s 13.8 feet long and weighs 1653 pounds: a true ocean giant. Let’s explore what happens next for the giant.
Who Is Contender
Great white sharks are some of the top predators of the sea. Contender was tagged off the coast of Georgia on Jan 17th and already has traveled more than 199 miles. He was named after Contender Boats, which supports research studies. Now he is the focus of am important scientific study.
Just How Big Is He
Tipping the scales at 1,653 pounds, roughly the weight of a grand piano, Contender is the largest male great white ever found in the Northwest Atlantic. Sharks of his size are rare, making him an important case study. Tracking his movements and biology could reveal valuable information about great white populations.
The Science Behind The Tagging
OCEARCH scientists also gathered biological samples from Contender from his urogenital tract, for instance, to look at how great whites reproduce. His tag will monitor him for the next five years, offering plenty of significant data for scientists. This will allow a better understanding of his habits and migration patterns.
Why Tracking Contender Matters
Their numbers are dropping, making great whites a vulnerable species. By tracking Contender, researchers can see where he travels and better protect him and his fellow great whites. The more we learn, the higher the chances of survival for these amazing creatures.
Where Is He Now
Since he was tagged, Contender has been swimming in the Atlantic and recently surfaced off the coast of Florida. Did you know you can track him online in real time?
How Fast Can Great Whites Swim
Great whites swim fast. They can swim up to 35 mph, making them one of the speediest predators in the ocean. Their bodies are shaped like torpedos and can cut through the water with almost no resistance. Their strong tails give them blasts of speed when hunting prey.
Those Famous Teeth
Great whites have seven rows of serrated teeth. If they lose one, another moves forward. So they never run out of teeth. They can cut through flesh very easily, making them ideal for hunting.
Do Sharks Really Attack Humans
Despite what you see in the movies, great white attacks on humans are very rare. In 2023, 120 shark human interactions, only, were recorded worldwide. Just 20 were fatal. When this happens, it’s usually because sharks mistake people for prey. Once they realize this, they leave. You’re more likely to be hit by lightning.
Where Do Great Whites Live
Most people believe great whites are mostly in Australia or South Africa, but they actually live in temperate and tropical waters all over the world. They prefer cooler waters and travel long distances. Contender’s journey through the Atlantic proves just how far these sharks can go.
Why Great Whites Are Vulnerable
The IUCN lists great whites as vulnerable because their population is shrinking. Overfishing and accidental catches are concerning issues. Research projects, like the one founded after discovering this record-breaking great white, play a critical role in preserving these animals and assuring their survival.
What’s Next For Contender
Contender’s tag will track him for years, which will help scientists understand where he goes and why. His biological samples will be studied to learn more about great white health and reproduction.
The Ocean’s True Giant
Contender isn’t just a giant shark: he represents how much we still don’t know about the ocean. Thanks to modern technology, scientists can study these much more efficiently. Whether you fear them or admire them, one thing’s clear: great whites were made for greatness.
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