TIGER SHARK
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Taxonomy
Order: Carcharhiniformes
Family: Charcharhinidae (Ground sharks)
Species: Galeocerdo Cuvier
Distribution: Tiger Sharks are common in all temperate
and tropical oceans of the world.
Morphology and Identification
The tiger shark has large black eyes and a blunt square nose with prominent
nostril flaps. The tail fin is asymmetrical with a long upright upper
lobe while the dorsal fin is triangular and medium in size.
Colouration is pale grey on top changing to white on the under belly.
As the name implies, tiger sharks have vertical dark grey bands along
the side of their body. These “tiger” stripes are less prominent
in larger older animals as they become very bulky around the mid-rift
causing the “tiger stripes” to be dispersed over a greater
surface area. The stripes can also be difficult to detect under certain
light conditions.
Tiger sharks mature between 3m and 4.2m (10 -14 ft). The largest officially
measured 18ft / 5.5m, however it is believed that they can reach or
exceed 20ft / 6m.
Habitat
They are mainly found inshore, although it is not uncommon for them
to be in deep sea. They also known to inhabit river mouths that produce
large sources of food. Tiger sharks don’t like strong currents
and prefer areas where there is turbid motion although they can be commonly
found around coral atolls.
Nature
Tiger Sharks are second to the Great White Shark
for recorded attacks on humans.
Reproduction
Tiger sharks are viviparous wherein there is a placental relationship
with the developing young that are borne alive as fully functional miniatures
of their parents. Tiger sharks produce a large number of embryos, one
specimen was discovered to have 82 embryos.
Pups are between 20 and 30in (51 to 76cm) in length. Pups are usually
born during the summer months.
Diet
Tiger sharks are opportunistic feeders and will eat an expanding variety
of sea life, as they grow older. Diet includes fish, other sharks, Rays,
marine reptiles and mammals, sea snakes, crustaceans and sea birds.