Tiger shark
The tiger shark (*Galeocerdo cuvier*) is a large species of requiem shark and the only living member of the genus *Galeocerdo*.
The tiger shark (*Galeocerdo cuvier*) is a large species of requiem shark and the only living member of the genus *Galeocerdo*. It is named for the dark vertical bars and spots on its body, which are most visible in juveniles and fade with age. The species is widespread in warm temperate and tropical waters and is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
Taxonomy and naming
Tiger sharks are classified as *Galeocerdo cuvier* in the family Carcharhinidae. Their common name comes from the dark bars and spots on the body, which are especially visible in young sharks.
Description
Tiger sharks are large-bodied sharks with a gray upper side and pale underside. Adults commonly reach 3–4.3 m in length, while exceptional individuals may grow to around 5.5 m or more.
Distribution and habitat
The species has a wide global range in tropical and warm temperate seas. It occupies both shallow coastal waters and offshore pelagic environments, and can migrate over long distances.
Diet and behaviour
Tiger sharks are opportunistic predators with one of the broadest diets among sharks. They feed on fish, rays, turtles, seabirds, squid, crustaceans, other sharks, carrion, and occasionally human refuse.
Conservation status
The tiger shark is assessed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Fishing mortality, including targeted fishing and incidental catch, contributes to population pressure in parts of its range.
Key facts
- Tiger sharks are named for their distinctive striped and spotted body pattern.
- They are among the largest shark species and can exceed 5.5 m in length.
- They occur in tropical and warm temperate waters worldwide, including coastal and pelagic habitats.
- Tiger sharks are generalist predators with a broad diet that includes fish, turtles, rays, seabirds, and carrion.
- The species is listed as Near Threatened and is affected by fishing pressure and bycatch.
Tiger sharks are not common in Canadian waters, but they are relevant to Canadian readers through marine conservation, shark biology, and occasional discussions of species found in the North Atlantic. Canadian marine educators and aquariums also use tiger sharks as examples of large pelagic predators.
Frequently asked questions
What is the scientific name of the tiger shark?
Why is it called a tiger shark?
How big do tiger sharks get?
What do tiger sharks eat?
Where do tiger sharks live?
Are tiger sharks endangered?
References
- Florida Museum of Natural History — https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/tiger-shark/Supports: Taxonomy, appearance, size, global distribution, and diet.
- PBS Nature — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/tiger-shark-fact-sheet/Supports: Scientific name and conservation status.
- Save Our Seas Foundation — https://saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/species/tiger-sharkSupports: Habitat, diet, litter size, lifespan, and Near Threatened status.
- Oceana — https://www.oceana.org/marine-life/tiger-shark/Supports: Naming, appearance, habitat, diet, and fishing pressure.
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science — https://www.vims.edu/research/units/programs/multispecies_fisheries_research/sharks/species/tiger.phpSupports: Warm temperate and tropical distribution and coastal/offshore occurrence.