A striking image of a great white shark off the Mexican coast has made waves around the world—and no, it’s not just another Jaws meme. This real-life giant, proudly displaying an enormous scar, has captivated the Internet and sparked a frenzy of debates among shark enthusiasts and scientists alike: what on Earth left such a jaw-dropping mark?

The Encounter That Stunned the Internet

It all began in August 2019, when Azerbaijani photographer Jalil Najafov—an ardent shark lover—went diving near Guadalupe Island, located roughly 150 miles (240 km) off Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. During this underwater adventure, Najafov captured a remarkable photograph of a particularly massive great white, sporting what can only be described as a battle scar for the ages. This wasn’t just any scratch: the wound looked like the result of a gigantic bite, which is exceptionally rare among apex predators of this size.

“I have never seen a scar this big on such a large shark,” Najafov said.

The image, published at the end of December, immediately drew the attention of both marine scientists and the public. Within days, the mysterious injury became the hot topic on social media, with speculation running wild. Was it caused by a clash between great whites? Was it the mark of a failed hunt, an accident, or perhaps something even stranger? The hypotheses were as numerous as they were creative.

Experts Weigh In: A Mystery That Bites Back

Leading shark experts, like Dr. Tristan Guttridge—well known for his research on shark behaviour—have chimed in. Dr. Guttridge dismissed the idea that the scar could come from a mating-related bite. While courtship battles among sharks sometimes leave marks, he explained, those wounds are generally less deep. So, the odds that this injury was the result of romance gone wrong are pretty slim.

Other specialists suggest the possibility of a ferocious encounter between two great white sharks. However, with no direct evidence, confirming this popular theory remains nearly impossible. While the true cause of the injury remains unsolved, one thing is clear: the viral image has gotten people everywhere talking about sharks—creatures that, despite their fearsome reputation, are often misunderstood.

Beyond Science: Changing How We See Sharks

For Najafov, though, this goes far beyond a scientific puzzle. His primary goal in sharing the photograph is to highlight the crucial importance of sharks for marine biodiversity. Through his pictures and stories, he tirelessly tries to raise awareness about conserving these animals, which are too often vilified by their bloodthirsty reputations in pop culture. Najafov wants people to recognise a simple truth: sharks are essential to keeping marine ecosystems in balance.

“The oceans are home to around 500 different species of sharks, but only about a dozen are actually dangerous to humans,” he points out.

This is a vital message, especially in light of the ongoing threat posed by the shark fin trade, which kills millions of sharks every year. As he sees it, protecting sharks is really about protecting the whole planet.

One Photographer, One Cause: Defending the Ocean’s Giants

Jalil Najafov has nurtured his passion for these marine creatures for years, and he doesn’t just photograph sharks; he stands up for them, especially against destructive practices that endanger their populations. In 2022, he planned a return dive along the Mexican coast, hoping to meet more of these extraordinary creatures and continue his advocacy for their critical role in the oceans.

So, while the mystery of the great white’s scar remains unsolved, one thing’s for sure: thanks to Najafov’s lens, these misunderstood predators are getting a little bit more of the appreciation—and protection—they so richly deserve.