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Global Animal Guide

Tiger Shark: Key Facts

Tiger shark with faint dark stripes swimming through clear blue tropical water

Quick answer

Tiger Sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) are fishs found across multiple regions. The wide-ranging scavenger of warm seas. Adults typically weigh roughly 600 kg (1320 lb), reach speeds of Up to 32 km/h (20 mph) in bursts, and live 20–30 years. They feed on carnivore (highly varied) and are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Warm coastal and open waters of tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide.

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Key takeaway

Tiger Sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) are fishs found across multiple regions. The wide-ranging scavenger of warm seas. Adults typically weigh roughly 600 kg (1320 lb), reach speeds of Up to 32 km/h (20 mph) in bursts, and live 20–30 years. They feed on carnivore (highly varied) and are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Warm coastal and open waters of tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide.

Tiger Shark overview

Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) is a fish listed here as Near Threatened. Typical weight about 600 kg; lifespan around 20–30 years.

Tiger Shark ecology

Diet: Carnivore (highly varied). Habitat: Warm coastal and open tropical seas. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.

Tiger Sharks and people

Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild tiger sharks are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.

Status and further reading

Conservation label in our guides: Near Threatened. See the full Tiger Shark profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.

Range and habitat

Tiger Sharks inhabit Warm coastal and open waters of tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. Their preferred habitat includes warm coastal and open tropical seas, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistence across multiple regions.

Physical characteristics and behaviour

Adult tiger sharks typically measure about 5 m in length and weigh roughly 600 kg (1320 lb). They can sprint at Up to 32 km/h (20 mph) in bursts when hunting or escaping predators. Tiger Sharks are known for the wide-ranging scavenger of warm seas — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.

Sources

Tiger Shark FAQs

What are key facts about tiger sharks?

Tiger Sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) are fishs found across multiple regions. The wide-ranging scavenger of warm seas. Adults typically weigh roughly 600 kg (1320 lb), reach speeds of Up to 32 km/h (20 mph) in bursts, and live 20–30 years. They feed on carnivore (highly varied) and are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Warm coastal and open waters of tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide.

What is the scientific name of the tiger shark?

Galeocerdo cuvier — used in research and conservation listings for tiger sharks.

What do tiger sharks eat?

Tiger Sharks eat highly varied, with seasonal and regional variation in Warm coastal and open tropical seas.

Where do tiger sharks live?

They are associated with Warm coastal and open tropical seas. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.

What is the conservation status of tiger sharks?

Listed in our guides as Near Threatened. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.

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