Species · GBIF taxon 2418234
Tiger Shark
Galeocerdo cuvierAlso known as Sea Tiger
Tiger sharks are formidable apex predators easily recognized by the dark, vertical stripes along their flanks that fade as they mature. These solitary, nocturnal hunters possess a remarkably diverse diet, utilizing highly sensitive electroreceptors to locate prey in both shallow coastal waters and deep offshore reefs. Their broad, serrated teeth are uniquely shaped to saw through tough materials like sea turtle shells.
Apex PredatorNocturnalMarine
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sea Turtles
- Bony Fish
- Marine Mammals
Predators
- Killer Whale
- White Shark
- Humans
ThreatsOverfishing, shark finning, bycatch, and marine pollution
HabitatsTropical and warm temperate coastal and pelagic waters
Life span20 to 50 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCarcharhinidae
- SpeciesGaleocerdo cuvier
N. Atlantic S. Atlantic N. Pacific S. Pacific Indian Ocean Caribbean Coral Sea
Marine distribution — the ocean basins and seas where the species occurs.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- A large apex predator capable of defensive bites; maintain a safe distance and avoid swimming at dusk.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses immense bite force and serrated teeth capable of inflicting fatal wounds to humans and pets.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a blunt, square snout, large dark eyes, and vertical tiger-like stripes on a gray body.
- What to do
- Never attempt to touch, feed, or corner this shark; slowly exit the water if one approaches.
- What to notice
- Identified by its large size, broad head, and distinctive dark vertical bars along its sides.
- Support conservation
- Support sustainable seafood choices and advocate for marine protected areas to help conserve populations.
Responsible observation
- Keep Distance: Maintain a respectful distance when diving or snorkeling in known habitats.
- Avoid Low Visibility: Do not swim in murky water, near river mouths, or during dusk and dawn.
- Stay Calm: Avoid splashing or erratic movements if a shark is sighted nearby.
Co-occurring Predator "オオメジロザメ Bull shark" by ume-y is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Co-occurring Apex Predator "Great White Shark" by Elias Levy is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Prey Species (c) Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Albert kok, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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