The family of a man mauled to death by a great white shark said the ocean was one of his "greatest passions".

Mercury Psillakis, 57, was killed at Long Reef Beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches on September 6.

Mr Psillakis, who leaves behind his wife and young daughter, is believed to have been attacked by a 3.4 to 3.6m-long great white shark about 100m from the shore.

His wife Maria, daughter Freedom and family members said Mr Psillakis was a "loving, devoted and ridiculously fun husband, father, son, brother and loyal friend".

"There are no words that can describe the amazing, humorous and beautiful man he is - everyone felt it," they said.

"He was Maria's soulmate, our best friend and the most loving father to Freedom, his daughter, whom he is so proud of.

"Their bond was extraord

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