Galeocerdo
Galeocerdo is a genus of requiem sharks, containing a single extant species, the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier). Tiger sharks are found in warm temperate and tropical waters worldwide, inhabiting a variety of habitats including coastal waters, reefs, estuaries, and even freshwater rivers.
Common Names
Tiger sharks are commonly referred to as "tiger sharks" due to their distinctive dark vertical stripes that resemble those of tigers. Other common names include "leopard shark" and "grey nurse shark."
Characteristics
Tiger sharks are large, powerful predators, typically reaching lengths of 3-4 meters (10-13 feet). They have a distinctive, broad, flattened snout, large eyes, and a powerful jaw armed with rows of serrated teeth. Their bodies are typically grey to brown in color, with dark vertical stripes.
Tiger sharks are known for their opportunistic feeding habits, consuming a wide range of prey including fish, sea turtles, seabirds, crustaceans, and even marine mammals. They are also known to scavenge on carrion.
Environments
Tiger sharks are found in a wide range of marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters
- Reefs
- Estuaries
- Freshwater rivers (occasionally)
They prefer warm, temperate and tropical waters.