Great White Shark and Similar Species
Carcharodon carcharias
Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.
Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Great White Shark. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Mako Shark
Isurus oxyrinchus (Shortfin Mako), Isurus paucus (Longfin Mako)
Key differences: Mako sharks have a more slender body, a more pointed snout, and their teeth are narrower, more needle-like, and lack serrations (or have very fine serrations in the Shortfin Mako). Their coloration is typically a more vibrant blue dorsally. The caudal fin is also lunate but often appears more elongated.
Salmon Shark
Lamna ditropis
Key differences: Salmon sharks are smaller, typically reaching up to 3 meters (10 feet). They have a more robust body than makos but are generally stockier than Great Whites. Their coloration is often darker, with a distinct white patch at the base of the pectoral fin. Their teeth are smooth-edged and more slender than a Great White's.
Porbeagle Shark
Lamna nasus
Key differences: Similar in body shape to the Salmon Shark, the Porbeagle is found in the North Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere. It is smaller than a Great White, typically under 2.5 meters (8 feet). A key distinguishing feature is a small, white, free-trailing flap on the posterior edge of the first dorsal fin, which is absent in Great Whites.
Explore Great White Shark
Identify fish anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.