Why Do Great White Sharks Breach?

Great white sharks are known for their impressive size, powerful jaws, and fearsome reputation as apex predators of the ocean. One of their most captivating behaviours is breaching, where they launch themselves out of the water in pursuit of their prey. In this blog post, we will explore how great white sharks use breaching to hunt their prey, and what makes this behaviour so effective.

How Do Great White Sharks Hunt?

Great white sharks are skilled hunters that use a combination of stealth, speed, and power to catch their prey. Their hunting strategy typically involves stalking their prey from below and using their powerful jaws to deliver a fatal bite. Great whites have an incredible senses and can detect prey from miles away, even in murky water. Off the coast of South Africa Great White Sharks can often be seen launching their body fully out of the water in pursuit of a tasty Cape Fur Seal. During the winter period as the juvenile seal pups begin to leave the island to hunt, the Great White Sharks take advantage of their inexperience. 

How Does Breaching Help Great White Sharks Hunt?

Great White Sharks are highly effective ambush predators and breaching is one of the most effective tactics Great White Sharks use to hunt their prey. Breaching is especially effective when hunting fast-moving prey like seals and sea lions. These animals are agile swimmers and can quickly evade a shark that is swimming in a straight line. Dusk and dawn are their most active and successful times to hunt the Cape Fur Seals as the low light conditions help the sharks stay hidden ready for their ambush. 

Factors That Influence Breaching for Hunting

While breaching is a valuable hunting tactic for great white sharks, it is not used in all situations. Factors like the location of the prey, the depth of the water, and the visibility can all influence whether a great white shark will breach or not. Breaching is more common in areas with high concentrations of fast moving prey, such as seal or sea lion colonies.

Conclusion

Great white sharks are fascinating creatures with a range of impressive hunting tactics, including breaching. By using this behavior, great white sharks can surprise and disorient their prey, increasing their chances of a successful catch. While breaching is not used in all hunting situations, it is an important tool in the great white shark's arsenal. Understanding how these remarkable creatures hunt and survive in their natural habitat can help us better appreciate and protect them.