List of the largest great white sharks historically recorded, based on scientific documentation, photographs, and accounts. Some of these sharks have gained legendary status due to their immense size.
1. Deep Blue
- Length: 20-22 feet
- Weight: ~4,500 pounds
- Location: Guadalupe Island, Mexico
- Details: Deep Blue is one of the most famous great whites. First recorded in 2013, she’s recognized for her sheer size and calm demeanor.
2. Shark from Malta
- Length: 23 feet (reported)
- Weight: Estimated 7,000 pounds
- Location: Malta, 1987
- Details: A massive shark caught by fishermen, though measurements are debated and not verified.
3. The Cuban Shark
- Length: 21 feet (reported)
- Weight: Estimated 7,100 pounds
- Location: Cuba, 1945
- Details: A shark caught off the coast of Cuba, although its size has been questioned by some experts.
4. The Kangaroo Island Shark
- Length: ~20 feet
- Location: South Australia
- Details: This massive shark was spotted off Kangaroo Island and is often compared to Deep Blue.
5. Colossus
- Length: 18-20 feet
- Location: South Africa
- Details: A well-documented great white observed near Seal Island, known for its size and hunting prowess.
6. Unnamed Shark – Port Fairy
- Length: 20-21 feet (reported)
- Location: Port Fairy, Australia
- Details: Caught in the 1870s; its size is disputed but often cited in historical accounts.
7. Submarine
- Length: 22 feet (alleged)
- Location: South Africa
- Details: A local legend about a giant shark named “Submarine,” though no verified evidence exists.
8. Nicole
- Length: 20 feet
- Location: South Africa to Australia
- Details: This shark was tagged in South Africa and traveled 12,400 miles to Australia, proving the migratory behavior of great whites.
9. El Monstruo
- Length: 21 feet (reported)
- Location: Cojimar, Cuba
- Details: Another large shark caught in the 1940s, often confused with the Cuban Shark.
10. The Guadalupe Shark
- Length: 18-20 feet
- Location: Guadalupe Island, Mexico
- Details: Not officially named, but observed in the same area as Deep Blue.
11. Liger Shark
- Length: ~19 feet
- Location: Hawaii
- Details: Filmed near Oahu in 2019 and often mistaken for Deep Blue due to its similar size.
12. Big Mama
- Length: ~20 feet
- Location: Guadalupe Island, Mexico
- Details: A large female great white seen feeding near seal colonies.
13. Ghost Shark
- Length: ~19 feet
- Location: South Africa
- Details: Sightings reported by divers; size remains unverified.
14. Jaws of Steel
- Length: ~18 feet
- Location: Neptune Islands, Australia
- Details: Famous among divers and cage operators for its size.
15. Bruce
- Length: 18 feet
- Location: Farallon Islands, California
- Details: A recurring shark known to scientists studying the area.
16. Kanoa
- Length: ~19 feet
- Location: Oahu, Hawaii
- Details: Another large great white observed in Hawaiian waters.
17. Scarface
- Length: 18-19 feet
- Location: Mexico
- Details: Recognized by its unique scars and large size.
18. Goliath
- Length: ~20 feet (unconfirmed)
- Location: Australia
- Details: Alleged sightings in the 1970s by fishermen.
19. Unnamed Shark – Prince Edward Island
- Length: 18-19 feet
- Location: Canada
- Details: Captured on video in 2021 by researchers tagging sharks.
20. White Death
- Length: ~18 feet
- Location: South Australia
- Details: A large shark spotted in South Australian waters, tied to cage-diving legends.
This list combines scientifically verified specimens and unverified yet widely reported legends. The exact sizes of many of these sharks remain debated, but their lore showcases the awe inspired by these apex predators.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings