Why Are Great White Sharks Not Very... White ?

The name says “great white,” but the shark itself doesn’t really live up to it. With a steel-grey back and a white underbelly, it’s only half white, and that’s exactly the point. In the ocean, color isn’t about looking good. It’s about not being seen at all.

A masterclass in camouflage

The great white shark’s coloring is a perfect example of countershading, a natural trick used to hide in plain sight.

• Seen from above, its grey top matches the deep, shadowy water below.

• Seen from below, its pale underside blends into the sunlight streaming down from the surface.

To prey like seals, tuna, or sea lions, the shark simply vanishes into the background. No outline, no warning… Until it’s already too late.

Stealth before Strength

Great whites are not the fastest swimmers in the ocean. What makes them deadly is their ability to ambush. They often attack from below, staying hidden against the sea floor or in deeper waters. That dark back acts like a cloak, keeping them unnoticed as they line up the perfect strike.

And when they strike, it’s fast. One clean shot upward and the hunt is over. Their white belly isn’t a flaw, it’s part of the illusion, a way to stay invisible from every angle.

Even newborn sharks are equipped with this coloration. It’s not decoration. It’s a survival tool from day one, refined over millions of years. The grey isn’t just shading—it’s a shield.