Fin's Fish Guide
The Common tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carcharhinidae that grows up to 750 cm.
Tropical and warm-temperate seas worldwide, from the coast to the open sea.
Description
The tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) is a large, powerful requiem shark of the family Carcharhinidae occurring worldwide in tropical and warm-temperate seas. The species owes its name to the dark vertical bars that are most distinct in young animals. It can reach several metres and lives from the coast to the open sea, often near river mouths, harbours and coral atolls. The tiger shark is an opportunistic predator that eats almost anything: fishes, sea turtles, seabirds, marine mammals and carrion. It is one of the few sharks regarded as dangerous to humans. Owing to fishing for fins and flesh the species is assessed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common tiger shark?
The Common tiger shark has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Dark tiger stripes (especially in juveniles); opportunistic omnivore and one of the few sharks dangerous to humans (NT).
Where does the Common tiger shark live?
The Common tiger shark lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Tropical and warm-temperate seas worldwide, from the coast to the open sea.
How big does the Common tiger shark get?
The Common tiger shark grows to a maximum of about 750 cm. On average the species is around 500 cm.
Is the Common tiger shark dangerous to humans?
The Common tiger shark can cause injury; handle it with care. A bite from a large tiger shark can cause very serious, lacerating wounds with major blood loss. Get the victim out of the water immediately, control bleeding with firm pressure and/or a pressure bandage, elevate the limb and call emergency services; treat for shock and hypothermia.
Is the Common tiger shark edible?
Yes, the Common tiger shark is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Common tiger shark and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Carcharhinidae
Want the complete picture on the Common tiger shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common tiger shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.