Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)

Found in many tropical and temperate oceans, the Tiger shark is especially common around central Pacific islands. This shark is a solitary, mostly night-time hunter. Its name derives from the dark stripes down its body, which fade as the shark matures.

Distribution

The tiger shark is often found close to the coast, in mainly tropical and sub-tropical waters, though they can reside in temperate waters.

Size

It can attain a length of over 5 metres and a weight of 1,110 kilograms, but the average Tiger shark weight 385 to 635 kg and are usually 3 m to 6 m long.

Conservation

Near Threatened

Facts

A newborn tiger shark leaves its mother upon birth.

Danger stats

Although shark attacks on humans are a relatively rare phenomenon, the tiger shark is responsible for a large percentage of the fatal attacks that do occur on humans, and is regarded as one of the most dangerous species of sharks.