Tiger Shark
Galeocerdo cuvier
Quick answer
The tiger shark is a large predatory shark of warm coastal and open waters worldwide, named for the dark vertical stripes on young animals. It can grow over 5 m (16 ft) long and is known for eating an extremely varied diet, earning it a reputation as the ocean's garbage can. A powerful apex predator, the tiger shark can live around 20 to 30 years.
Tiger Shark facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Galeocerdo cuvier |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore (highly varied) |
| Habitat | Warm coastal and open tropical seas |
| Lifespan | 20–30 years |
| Length | 3–5 m (10–16 ft), sometimes larger |
| Top speed | Up to 32 km/h (20 mph) in bursts |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Chondrichthyes |
| Order | Carcharhiniformes |
| Family | Galeocerdidae |
| Genus | Galeocerdo |
Behavior and biology
Tiger sharks are mostly solitary, nocturnal hunters that patrol large areas of coastline and open water, moving between deep and shallow habitats. Young tiger sharks have bold dark stripes that fade as they mature, giving the species its name. They have powerful, serrated teeth capable of cutting through tough material such as sea turtle shells.
Diet and feeding
Tiger sharks have one of the most varied diets of any shark, eating fish, seals, sea turtles, seabirds, dolphins, rays, and other sharks. They are also notorious for swallowing indigestible objects, which is why they are sometimes called the garbage cans of the sea. This broad diet lets them thrive in many habitats and adapt to changing prey.
Habitat and range
Tiger sharks live in tropical and warm-temperate seas around the world, from shallow reefs and lagoons to the open ocean. They often move into coastal waters at night to hunt and retreat to deeper water during the day. Some individuals make long migrations between feeding areas across entire ocean basins.
Conservation and human interaction
Tiger sharks are among the species most often involved in bites on humans, though such incidents remain rare relative to the number of ocean visitors. They are listed as Near Threatened, mainly because of fishing for their fins, skin, and liver oil, combined with slow reproduction. Their role as apex predators makes them important to the health of marine ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions about the Tiger Shark
Why are they called tiger sharks?
Young tiger sharks have dark vertical bars along their bodies that resemble a tiger's stripes. These markings fade as the shark grows older and larger.
What do tiger sharks eat?
Tiger sharks have an extremely varied diet that includes fish, seals, sea turtles, seabirds, dolphins, rays, and other sharks, and they sometimes swallow inedible debris.
Are tiger sharks dangerous to humans?
Tiger sharks are among the species most often involved in bites on people, but attacks are still rare. Their size, power, and broad diet make caution sensible in areas where they are common.
How big do tiger sharks get?
Tiger sharks commonly reach 3 to 5 m (10 to 16 ft) long, and exceptional individuals can grow larger and weigh several hundred kilograms.
Are tiger sharks endangered?
Tiger sharks are listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, largely due to fishing for fins, skin, and liver oil along with their slow reproduction.
How long do tiger sharks live?
Tiger sharks are thought to live around 20 to 30 years in the wild, growing slowly and maturing relatively late.
