Great White Shark Shark Bites

My name's Steve Backshall!

Self confessed, shark obsessed.

This is Shark Bites.

There's only one contender for this title.

The most ferocious shark has to go to...

..the mighty Great White -

one of the greatest hunters on our planet.

Reaching lengths of up to six metres, and weighing as much

as a car, Great Whites prey on fish and marine mammals, like seals.

And these colossal carnivores rule their waters.

But what is it that makes them such perfect predators?

Guadalupe Island off the coast of Mexico is the perfect place

to swim with them in the open ocean.

I can't deny I'm a little nervous.

After all, Great Whites are one of the most powerful

creatures on our planet.

So, I think it's time to head out through the open cage door.

VOICEOVER: Out of the blue, and as if from nowhere, a shadow appears.

Look, look at that coming straight towards us!

VOICEOVER: This stealthy approach is just one of the reasons

they are such awesome predators.

With white colourings below, and dark grey markings above,

the Great White has the perfect ocean camouflage,

known as countershading, allowing them to take their prey by surprise.

And it's in this moment of impact that they reveal their second

and most effective predatory tool.

The jaws of the Great White are perhaps what this shark

is best known for - and with good reason.

At any one time, A Great White may have 300 scalpel-sharp

serrated teeth in its mouth, in rows.

The front row is used to capture and devour prey.

The other rows are like spares on a conveyor belt.

When the front row falls out,

the others roll forward to take their place.

This shark may get through 20,000 teeth in a lifetime,

ensuring they never run out of their greatest asset.

Team those serrated teeth with two tonnes of explosive power

and speeds of up to 40km an hour

and this shark is able to drive its prey clear out of the water.

The Great White shark,

the most awesome predatory fish on our planet.

With its cunning camouflage and its terrific teeth,

it is without a doubt the most ferocious fish in our seas.