The great white has a large cone-like snout. Its body is shaped like a torpedo. The upper body has a slate-gray shade while it is white from the underside. This pattern of dark-colored upper side and light-colored lower side is known as countershading. This way the shark becomes invisible when seen from below because the lighter underside mingles with the sun-lit surrounding waters. Likewise, the darker upper body disappears when seen from above as it blends perfectly with the dusky or dark rocky background of the ocean floor. Therefore, it is hard for the prey to spot its approaching predator.
