Great white family tree takes shape after DNA reveals 2 tagged sharks are siblings

What is believed to be the first genomic study of white sharks in the Western North Atlantic has yielded fascinating results that are helping scientists further understand these apex predators and their patterns.A recent DNA study conducted by OCEARCH revealed that two of the white sharks tagged by OCEARCH in 2021 and 2022 are actually brother and sister. According to OCEARCH, the study revealed three pairs of full siblings and seven likely half-sibling pairs of great white sharks. The study found that one full sibling pair is believed to have come from the same litter, while the two other sibling pairs are believed to be five and 19 years apart. “The collaborative research, conducted using genetic samples collected by OCEARCH and collaborating scientists, marks the beginning of an entirely new chapter in understanding white shark biology and ecology,” OCEARCH said. The goal is to help better understand why white sharks return to the same habitats year after year, by investigating whether family relationships help explain the patterns.“This research changes the questions we can ask,” said Chris Fischer, founder and expedition leader of OCEARCH.“For most people, white sharks are the ultimate lone predator.

But every expedition reminds us the ocean is more complex than we imagine.For years, OCEARCH has helped reveal where white sharks travel across the Atlantic.

Now we’re beginning to understand the families behind those journeys.Every new discovery brings us closer to understanding how these remarkable animals live, reproduce, and survive—and that knowledge is essential to returning our world’s oceans to balance and abundance.”Scientists originally noticed in 2025 that Jekyll’s migration patterns were nearly identical to another tagged white shark named Simon, leading them to wonder if the two sharks were related. While the analysis revealed Simon and Jekyll weren’t related, they did find that Jekyll and another white shark, Olympia, wer...