Sharks Chimaeras Skates and Rays: Chondrichthyes

Physical characteristics: Tiger sharks have a short, rounded snout and large first dorsal fins and tail fins. Young tiger sharks have dark vertical stripes over a gray background. Large females reach a length of 20 feet (6 meters). The teeth curve backward.

Geographic range: Tiger sharks live all over the world.

Habitat: Tiger sharks live mainly near the shore in muddy waters, where rivers meet the sea, near piers, in coral reefs, and in shallow lagoons. Tiger sharks may be found in open water offshore but are not truly oceanic sharks.

Diet: Tiger sharks eat whatever is available and are efficient predators. They have been known to ingest (ihn-JEHST) or swallow inedible objects, such as an amazing variety of trash. Prey varies from large fishes, reptiles, mammals, and birds to squid and shrimp.

Tiger sharks live mainly near the shore in muddy waters, where rivers meet the sea, near piers, in coral reefs, and in shallow lagoons. (Illustration by Barbara Duperron. Reproduced by permission.)

Behavior and reproduction: Tiger sharks are mostly nocturnal (nahk-TER-nuhl), or active at night, and strong-swimming. They usually swim alone. These sharks appear sluggish because they cruise at slow speeds near the surface. Young tiger sharks develop inside the female. The female gives birth to ten to eighty-two young that are 20 to 30 inches (51 to 76 centimeters) long.

Conservation status: Tiger sharks are not threatened nor endangered.

Tiger sharks and people: In many places tiger sharks are considered dangerous. Tiger sharks are fished for their meat, hide, and liver and for sport. They do not survive in aquariums. ∎