The Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) is a large, powerful predator found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. It is known for its distinctive dark stripes, which resemble the markings of a tiger, and its opportunistic feeding habits. The Tiger Shark is one of the most common shark species encountered by humans, but it can also be a dangerous animal, responsible for a number of attacks on humans.
Description & Characteristics
The Tiger Shark is a large, robust shark with a distinctive, rounded snout and a large, crescent-shaped dorsal fin. Its body is typically gray or brown, and it is covered in dark stripes and blotches. These markings are thought to help the shark camouflage itself in its environment. Galeocerdo cuvier can grow to a maximum size of 750.0 cm, making it one of the largest shark species.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Tiger Shark is a widespread species, found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. It is a common inhabitant of coastal areas, estuaries, and bays, but it can also be found in deeper waters, up to 800.0 meters. Its habitat preferences allow it to inhabit a wide range of marine zones, from shallow coastal waters to deep ocean trenches. The Tiger Shark is most commonly found in warm waters, but it can tolerate a range of temperatures and salinities.
Taxonomy
The species Galeocerdo cuvier belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Carcharhiniformes, and Family: Galeocerdonidae. It is the only species in the genus Galeocerdo.
Feeding
The Tiger Shark is a highly opportunistic predator with a diverse diet. It is known to feed on a wide variety of prey, including fish (little fishes), tuna, sharks (small sharks), sea snakes, sea birds, turtles, sea mammals, crustaceans, lobsters (rock lobster), cephalopods (sepia), and even carrion. It has even been documented to eat terrestrial animals, such as pigs, that have fallen into the water. The Tiger Shark’s diet is also influenced by its habitat. In coastal areas, it may feed primarily on fish and crustaceans, while in deeper waters, it may prey on larger animals such as seals and dolphins. This adaptability and varied diet contribute to its widespread success.
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