Tiger Shark

A tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) is a large, predatory shark found in tropical and temperate oceans worldwide. It is known for its aggressive reputation, broad diet, and the dark stripes on its body, which fade as it matures.

Tiger sharks are one of the largest predatory sharks, with an average length of 10 to 14 feet, though some can grow much larger. Their body is a dark gray or blue, with a lighter, whitish belly. The juveniles are characterized by dark, vertical stripes or spots on their sides, which resemble a tiger's pattern and give the shark its name. They have a distinctive, blunt snout and a large mouth filled with serrated teeth, which are ideal for tearing through flesh and bone.

Tiger sharks are found in coastal waters and the open ocean, from shallow reefs to depths of over 3,000 feet. They are a true omnivore among sharks, and their diet is incredibly diverse, earning them the nickname "the ocean's garbage can." They eat everything from fish, seals, and sea turtles to seabirds and even man-made objects. Their ability to digest tough materials is due to their powerful jaws and strong stomach acids.

Tiger sharks are solitary hunters and are most active at night. They are known to be one of the most dangerous shark species due to their lack of a strict diet and their tendency to be found in coastal waters where humans swim. They are highly migratory, often traveling thousands of miles between feeding and breeding grounds.