Is the Great White Shark in Animal Crossing? A Deep Dive

Yes, the Great White Shark is indeed present in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH), and it’s one of the most sought-after and valuable fish players can catch. This iconic ocean predator adds a thrilling element to the game’s fishing mechanics. Known for its impressive size and distinctive fin, it’s a prize catch for any aspiring island angler. However, finding and reeling in a Great White Shark requires knowledge of its spawn conditions and a little bit of patience. Let’s explore the specifics of these impressive in-game creatures and what it takes to add one to your collection or your museum.

Catching the Great White: Timing and Location

The Great White Shark is not a year-round resident in the waters surrounding your island. Its availability is seasonal, tied to the real-world hemisphere you selected at the beginning of your game.

Northern Hemisphere Availability

• Players in the Northern Hemisphere can find the Great White Shark from June to September.
• They appear at any time of day, but often are easier to spot during the late evening and early morning hours because other fish shadows are less common.

Southern Hemisphere Availability

• Players in the Southern Hemisphere will need to look for the Great White Shark from December to March.
• Similar to the Northern Hemisphere, they are available throughout the day, but may be more noticeable outside of peak gameplay hours.

Where to Fish

The Great White Shark, along with other sharks in ACNH, can be found in the open ocean that surrounds your island. This means you can find them:

• Off the pier: Casting your line from the pier is a great starting point.
• Anywhere along the beach: You don’t have to be on the pier; any spot along your shoreline is fair game.

Identifying Sharks

• Look for large fish shadows with a fin on top. The fin is a dead giveaway that you’ve found a shark.
• The Great White Shark has one of the largest shadows, ensuring that it’s instantly recognizable in the water.

Fishing Mechanics

The fishing mechanics are crucial when attempting to catch the Great White Shark. Here are some important tips to remember:

• Quick Reactions: Sharks in Animal Crossing bite quickly. The lure will dive very fast, so be prepared to press A as soon as the fish bites. Delaying even a little can cause the fish to get away.
• Fish Bait: If you’re struggling to find the fish, craft and use fish bait. This will cause a fish shadow to appear almost instantly, increasing your chances of finding a shark shadow.
• Patience: Remember that fishing is often a game of patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch one immediately; keep trying.

The Value of a Great White Shark

Catching a Great White Shark is rewarding for several reasons:

• Bells: The Great White Shark sells for a hefty 15,000 Bells at Nook’s Cranny. This makes it one of the most valuable fish in the game.
• C.J.: If you wait for C.J. the Fishing Tour guide to visit your island, you can sell your Great White Shark for an even more impressive 22,500 Bells. This is an excellent method to gain significant currency.
• Museum Donation: It is highly recommended to donate the first Great White Shark you catch to Blathers at the museum. This will add a beautiful and impressive addition to the fish exhibit.

The Rarity Factor

While all sharks in ACNH are less common than other fish, the Great White Shark is generally considered among the rarer ones. This adds to its appeal and the satisfaction players get from reeling one in. The combination of the seasonal availability and distinctive shadow, combined with the higher sell value makes it one of the top-tier catches in the game.

Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Great White Shark in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, designed to answer any additional questions you may have:

1. What are the other sharks I can catch in ACNH?

Alongside the Great White Shark, you can also catch the Hammerhead Shark, Saw Shark, and Whale Shark. These sharks, while different in appearance, also have large shadows with fins and specific selling prices.

2. What time of day do sharks appear in Animal Crossing?

Sharks are available all day, however they are often easier to find during the late evenings and early morning hours.

3. Is the Great White Shark the rarest shark to catch?

While all sharks can be hard to find, the Great White Shark is often considered to be one of the rarest, along with the Whale Shark due to its availability and spawn rate.

4. What does the Great White Shark look like in the museum?

The Great White Shark is displayed in the museum’s aquarium section, swimming majestically in the large, open tank. Its size and characteristic features make it a standout specimen.

5. Should I sell my Great White Shark or donate it?

It’s advisable to donate the first one you catch to the museum for display. After that, selling them is a great way to accumulate Bells.

6. Can I use fish bait to increase my chances of finding sharks?

Yes, using fish bait is a fantastic method to force fish spawns, increasing the likelihood of a shark appearing in the water.

7. What is the price of a Great White Shark at Nook’s Cranny?

At Nook’s Cranny, a Great White Shark sells for 15,000 Bells.

8. What is the price of a Great White Shark when sold to C.J.?

C.J. will purchase your Great White Shark for 22,500 Bells, which is a great increase in price from Nook’s.

9. How do I know if it is a shark shadow?

Shark shadows are large and have a distinctive fin on the water’s surface, unlike the regular fish shadows.

10. Do sharks in Animal Crossing eat my character?

No, thankfully the sharks in Animal Crossing do not attack or eat your character. They are simply fish to be caught.

11. What month do sharks appear in the Northern Hemisphere?

In the Northern Hemisphere, sharks appear from June to September.

12. What month do sharks appear in the Southern Hemisphere?

In the Southern Hemisphere, sharks appear from December to March.

13. Are there any other ways to increase my chance of spawning a shark?

Yes, by saving and continuing the game, there’s a chance of resetting the fish spawns, which might trigger a shark appearance.

14. What is the rarest villager in Animal Crossing?

While not directly related to sharks, the rarest villagers are generally considered to be octopus villagers, like Marina, Octavian, and Zucker, due to their limited number.

15. What is the rarest item in Animal Crossing?

The rarest item in the game is generally considered to be the Royal Crown. Other rare items include the Gold Armor Set and various themed sets.

By knowing the specifics of the Great White Shark‘s availability, location, and fishing mechanics, you’ll be well on your way to adding this prized catch to your collection in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Happy fishing!