Latin name

Galeocerdo cuvier

Other names

Tiger shark

Identification

Dark bluish-gray or brownish-gray above and whitish below, the tiger shark is so called because of its noticeable dark brown spots and stripes, or "tiger stripes and leopard spots," which are especially noticeable in young and small adults, but disappear with age. This fish has an extremely blunt snout, which appears broadly rounded from below, and a median dorsal ridge is present. The Tiger shark is also characterized by its broad and coarse-toothed teeth, which have deep notches and are identical on both jaws. The first two of the five gill slits are located above the pectoral fin, there is a long prominent keel on either side of the caudal processor, as well as a long upper blade on the tail.

Distribution

No information

Habitat

The tiger shark is often found in the shallow waters where people swim, and is circumnavigated in tropical and temperate waters. One study revealed that a tiger shark can travel more than 30 miles in 24 hours, and although tiger sharks visit the same coastal areas, the time between visits can vary from a few days to many months.

Size

It grows up to 24 feet. The Tiger shark is an important species for anglers only because it usually weighs between 300 and 800 pounds, but it can grow much larger. The long-standing record for all-tackle catches, 1,780 pounds, was caught from a pier in Cherry Grove, South Carolina, in 1964.

Life history and Behavior

No information

Food and feeding habits

Some sharks attack and kill people, but not necessarily by eating them. The Tiger shark is especially scary because it is known as an ogre, often devouring the remains of its victims. Tigers are notorious for eating just about anything, including metal objects, and are generally bad fighters.

Reproduction

No information