Tiger Shark

Galeocerdo cuvier
Large, heavy body; dark vertical stripes (especially on juveniles) that fade with age; broad head and strong jaws. Can grow over 5 m. Colour mainly light‐to‐dark grey above, pale below.
Opportunistic feeder with very broad diet: fish, turtles, sea snakes, dolphins, birds, squid, smaller sharks. Known for feeding on carrion. Most active at night. Solitary, but may come into shallower waters.

Where divers may encounter it
Reef drop-offs, wreck dives, near offshore islands, sometimes shallow reefs; more likely in tropical regions with healthy reef systems.

Diving tips
Use caution during night dives; avoid baiting unless under strict operator guidance. Keep calm, avoid splashing. Respect their space. Always dive with a guide who knows local behavior.

IUCN: Near Threatened. Population trend: decreasing.

Did you know?

Tiger sharks are sometimes called “garbage eaters” because they are known to ingest non-food items—trash, license plates, etc.—though these are rare cases. They have one of the broadest diets of any shark.

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