Fauna
Fish

Tiger Shark

Galeocerdo cuvier

Also known as Leopard Shark, Spotted Shark

Tiger sharks are solitary apex generalists renowned for hunting across both shallow coastal reefs and deep pelagic drop-offs. Their heavily serrated, cockscomb-shaped teeth and powerful jaws can easily crack open sea turtle carapaces and bird bones. Migrations follow warm oceanic currents, bringing adults close to shore at night to patrol murky estuaries and lagoons.

Apex PredatorNocturnalMarine
Tiger Shark reference1 / 7
(c) Kris-Mikael Krister, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyGreen Sea Turtle, Bottlenose Dolphin, Stingray
Predators
  • Orca
ThreatsTargeted commercial fishing for fins and liver oil, accidental bycatch, and shark control programs
HabitatsTropical and warm temperate coastal waters, coral reefs, and open oceans
Life span30–40 years
Classification
  1. FamilyCarcharhinidae
  2. SpeciesGaleocerdo cuvier
Range & activity
N. Atlantic S. Atlantic N. Pacific S. Pacific Indian Ocean Caribbean Coral Sea

Marine distribution — the ocean basins and seas where the species occurs.

Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Large apex predator responsible for fatal bites; maintain vigilance and give them wide berth in open water.
Why it is dangerous
Possesses massive crushing bite force and serrated teeth capable of inflicting catastrophic, often fatal lacerations.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by dark vertical tiger stripes along the upper flanks, a blunt squared snout, and large dark eyes.
What to do
Never touch, corner, or chase; remain vertical in the water, maintain visual contact, and slowly retreat to safety.
Responsible observation
  • Diving Etiquette: Maintain continuous eye contact and avoid erratic swimming or splashing if one approaches.
  • Water Conditions: Avoid swimming in murky water, river mouths, or during dusk and dawn when feeding peaks.
  • Bait Awareness: Exit the water immediately if spearfishing catches or chum slicks attract curious individuals.
Related species
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