Bull shark vs great white shark
There are over 400 shark species around the world. Bull sharks and great white sharks are two of the most interesting. They are both large sharks that can swim at great speed. However, there are many differences between these two ocean creatures. The most obvious difference is size. Great white sharks are much larger than bull sharks. They also live in different parts of the ocean.
Which shark has a reputation for being more dangerous? Does one shark live longer? Is one shark faster? Find the answers to these questions with others to learn more about these amazing ocean swimmers.
Comparison of bull sharks and great white sharks
Take a look at this chart comparing some of the more significant differences between the two sharks.
Bull shark | Big white | |
---|---|---|
Length: | 7-11 feet | 11-20 feet |
Weight: | 200 lbs-500 lbs. | 4200 lbs – 5000 lbs. |
Colour: | Gray / brown | Dark gray, blue or black |
Muzzle shape: | Rounded | Slender |
Habitat: | Shallow coastal waters | Open waters |
Speed: | 25 mph | 35 mph |
Lifetime: | 12-16 years old | Up to 70 years old |
Social behavior: | Single | Lives in groups |
Bite force: | 1300 psi | 625 psi |
9 main differences between bull sharks and great white sharks
1. Length
In size, great white sharks are longer than bull sharks. While male bull sharks are typically around seven feet long, females can reach 11 feet in length. Adult males of great white sharks are 11 to 13 feet in length and females are 15 to 20 feet.
2. Weight
The great white shark’s impressive size is not limited to its length. Great white sharks can weigh 5,000 pounds or more when they are adults. Alternatively, adult bull sharks weigh between 200 and 500 pounds in adulthood.
3. Color
The upper body of a bull shark is gray or brown in color. The upper body of a great white shark is dark gray, blue, or even black. Both sharks have a light colored underbelly.
The dark and light coloration helps both sharks camouflage themselves in the ocean waters. When viewed from the bottom up, the shark’s lighter underbelly helps it blend in with sunlight penetrating the surface of the water. Someone looking into the ocean from above is unlikely to see a shark with a dark upper body.
This special coloration can help the shark sneak up on its prey. In fact, these sharks are known to swim deep below the surface to surprise attacks on fish swimming above.
4. The shape of the muzzle
Studying the shape of the snout of these sharks helps to identify them. The muzzle of the great white shark is thin and streamlined. Alternatively, the bull shark’s muzzle can be rounded.
5. Habitat
Bull sharks swim in (relatively) shallow waters off coasts around the world. In addition, they can thrive in freshwater habitats. Most likely, great white sharks can be seen swimming in the open ocean.
6. Speed
Both of these sharks are known for their ability to swim at great speed for short periods of time. However, the great white shark is the fastest. It can swim up to 35 miles per hour, while the bull shark reaches 25 miles per hour.
7. Life expectancy
The life span of a great white shark is much longer than that of a bull shark. Great white sharks can live up to 70 years, and bull sharks from 12 to 16 years.
8. Social behavior
The social behavior of these two sharks is another of their distinguishing features. Most bull sharks live alone. However, it is known that while hunting, they swim with another bull shark. Great white sharks are social animals that travel the ocean in packs, also known as schools.
After catching prey, great white sharks in a flock can fight each other for a large portion of food. When they do fight, it often results in fatal injury to one or both.
9. Force of the bite
The strength of an animal’s bite is related to the strength and strength of its bite. It is measured in pounds per square inch or pounds per square inch. A bull shark has a bite force of 1300 psi, while a great white shark has a bite force of 625 psi.
The weight of a shark largely depends on the strength of the bite. A 20-foot great white shark is likely to have a stronger bite force than an eight-foot bull shark.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Which is more dangerous, a bull shark or a great white shark?
This is a tricky question. Yes, great white sharks are larger and heavier than bull sharks. But bull sharks live in coastal areas where they can meet people. So their proximity to humans makes bull sharks more dangerous.
No shark is going to attack humans. In most cases, a shark bites a person because it mistook his arm or leg for fish or other prey.
Who will win: bull shark or great white?
If there was a fight between a bull shark and a great white shark, the great white shark would be the winner. It has a huge size advantage.
Is a bull shark bite stronger than a great white shark bite?
Generally, the strength of a bull shark bite is stronger than that of a great white shark. But the shark’s weight affects the overall bite strength.