Shark Week: Tiger Shark

Shark Week is almost over but there’s no way I’ll let it end without featuring the Tiger Shark. Almost (or just as) fearsome as the land predator Tiger Sharks are one of the three most dangerous sharks (the others being a Great White and  Bull Shark, both of which I have already featured). Here are some more facts about this fascinating predator:

1. Tiger sharks use their stripes as aid to blend in, as they are “ambush predators” (The Little Chunky Book of Sharks).

2. In 2003, surfer Bethany Hamilton was attacked by a tiger shark who bit one of her arms off. Bethany was courageous, and after taking some time to heal she returned to competitive surfing. (The Little Chunky Book of Sharks)

3. Pups (baby sharks) can range from 10 to 82 pups in a single litter (The Little Chunky Book of Sharks).

4. Sharks do give live birth but the embryos develop inside individual eggs inside the shark. Once the juveniles are born they join the ranks of predators (though they risk being eaten by other adult tiger sharks) (https://oceana.org/marine-life/tiger-shark/)

5. “Adults prefer the open coast and high-energy coral reefs, while juveniles are typically found in estuaries and protected bays. This division of habitat use may offer some protection to the juveniles from cannibalistic adults”  (https://oceana.org/marine-life/tiger-shark)

6. This creature is considered by scientists to be ‘near threatened’ with extinction. (https://oceana.org/marine-life/tiger-shark/)

7. They are the fourth largest shark species in the world. They have been known to grow up to 18 feet.

8. They are known for eating just about anything. It’s not unusual for a tiger shark to eat all forms of garbage as well as a varied diet of other sea food. (https://www.originaldiving.com/blog/top-ten-tiger-shark-facts)

9. Tiger Sharks can see well in the dark (just like actual tigers can).

   
   

10. Unlike other sharks, Tiger Sharks are more social, especially in shallow water. (https://www.originaldiving.com/blog/top-ten-tiger-shark-facts)