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What Are Tiger Sharks?

Rebecca Cartwright
Rebecca Cartwright

Tiger sharks are members of the species Galeocerdo cuvier in the family Carcharhinidae. They are among the largest sharks and predators living in the world's oceans. Tiger sharks are found in almost every area of the tropical and temperate seas. They are powerful swimmers, able to travel up to 50 miles in a day. Tiger sharks have a very recognizable body shape with a large wedge-shaped head and muscular upper body paired with a slender lower body and tail.

Members of the species can weigh over 2,000 pounds (about 900 kg) but average specimens more often range from 850 to 1,400 pounds (about 385 to 635 kg.) Males average about 10.5 feet (3.20 m) while females usually average about 9.60 feet (2.92 m) in length. Individuals up 24.5 feet (about 7.5 m ) have been recorded.

Stripes often cover the sides of juvenile tiger sharks.
Stripes often cover the sides of juvenile tiger sharks.

Tiger-like stripes on the sides of some juveniles are what gave the species their common name. On some these appear as spots, rather than stripes. The stripes are faded or non-existent on most adult tiger sharks. Both juveniles and adults are bluish-gray to greenish-gray with lighter white or yellow underside.

Coastal areas with shallow muddy water are usually the preferred hunting grounds for tiger sharks. Tiger sharks are nocturnal creatures, preferring to hunt at night. During the day they are usually found in the deeper water off the coastal shelf. They also hunt on coastal reefs and in areas where sea grass grows near shore.

Tiger sharks often eat sea turtles.
Tiger sharks often eat sea turtles.

Fish, including smaller sharks, sea turtles, and marine mammals such as seals are an important part of the tiger shark's diet. Other common prey are mollusks and seabirds. In addition to hunting, the tiger shark scavenges in shallow water and around reefs.

Tiger sharks are among the minority of sharks that are ovoviviparous. A female keeps the fertile egg capsules within her body where the young grow, each nourished by its individual yolk sac. When the pups are fully ready to live on their own they emerge from the egg sacs within the mother's body and are then expelled into the ocean.

Marine mammals like seals are an important part of tiger sharks' diets.
Marine mammals like seals are an important part of tiger sharks' diets.

After a gestation period of 13 to 16 months, the mother gives birth to between 10 and 80 young in each litter. The pups range from 6.5 to 13 pounds (about 3 to 6 kg) in weight and are 20 to 30 (about 51 to 76 cm) long. Young tiger sharks receive no parental care and are ready to live independently when born.

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes tiger sharks from other shark species?

Tiger sharks are unique due to their distinctive dark stripes on a blue to greenish-gray background, resembling a tiger's pattern, which fade as they mature. They are known for their powerful jaws and a wide variety of prey, including fish, seals, birds, and even other sharks. Their reputation as 'garbage eaters' comes from their tendency to consume inedible objects.

How large can tiger sharks grow?

Tiger sharks are one of the largest shark species, with adult females typically larger than males. They can reach lengths of up to 14 to 18 feet and weigh between 850 to 1,400 pounds. Exceptionally large individuals may grow over 20 feet long and weigh more than 2,000 pounds, making them formidable predators of the ocean.

Where are tiger sharks commonly found?

Tiger sharks are highly migratory and are found in many of the world's temperate and tropical oceans, particularly around central Pacific islands. They prefer coastal waters but can also be found in open seas. Their habitat ranges from the surface to depths of around 460 meters, though they often hunt in shallow reefs and canals.

What is the reproductive cycle of a tiger shark?

Tiger sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning their eggs hatch inside the female's body, and she gives birth to live young. A female tiger shark's gestation period is approximately 14 to 16 months, one of the longest among sharks. They can give birth to litters ranging from 10 to 80 pups, which are about 20 to 30 inches long at birth.

Are tiger sharks dangerous to humans?

While tiger sharks are second only to great white sharks in recorded attacks on humans, they are not naturally man-eaters. Most incidents occur due to mistaken identity or in waters with low visibility. However, their curious nature and tendency to sample bite make them potentially dangerous, and caution is advised when swimming in their habitats.

What conservation status do tiger sharks have, and why?

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), tiger sharks are listed as Near Threatened. Their long gestation period and low reproduction rate make them vulnerable to overfishing and bycatch. Additionally, their fins are highly valued for shark fin soup, leading to targeted fishing in some regions, which further threatens their population.

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    • Stripes often cover the sides of juvenile tiger sharks.
      By: Ian Scott
      Stripes often cover the sides of juvenile tiger sharks.
    • Tiger sharks often eat sea turtles.
      Tiger sharks often eat sea turtles.
    • Marine mammals like seals are an important part of tiger sharks' diets.
      By: Erni
      Marine mammals like seals are an important part of tiger sharks' diets.