ABSTRACT
Because of its large size and its record of attacks on humans, the White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias (Linneus, 1758), is usually described in awe-inspiring or exaggerated terms. Linné [Linneus] (1806) described it as “the most dreadful and voracious of all animals; preys on everything that comes its way, even its own tribe, and has been known to swallow a man whole.” Smith (1833: 83) stated, “Of all others, the White Shark is the most terri¢c, and therefore regarded by mariners with peculiar dread.” Jordan (1907: 195) described it as “the most voracious of ¢sh-like animals,” whereas J. L. B. Smith (1949: 49) wrote that “this swift, voracious and ferocious Shark is a terror to all who venture on or in the water.”
