Tiger Shark
Tiburón Tigre
(Galeocerdo cuvier)

Tiger Shark, Galeocerdo cuvier: The Tiger Shark is a wide ranging species that is found throughout the world's temperate and tropical waters, with the exception of the Mediterranean Sea.

The Tiger Shark gets its name from dark black spots and vertical bars which run the length of the body which are more prominent in juveniles than in adults. The anterior portion of the body is stout but becomes increasingly slender posterior of the abdomen. The Tiger Shark has a robust head with large eyes and a very blunt snout. The mouth is large with long furrows in the lips. The teeth are large with curved cusps and finely serrated edges. Each tooth has a deep notch on the outer margin lined with numerous cusplets.

Upper and lower teeth are similar in shape and size and decrease in size as they move back toward the rear of the mouth. The broad first dorsal fin originates posterior of pectoral fin base. A much smaller second dorsal fin originates anterior to the origin of the strongly recurved anal fin. A ridge is present along the back between the dorsal fins. A low longitudinal keel is present on the caudal base. The upper lobe of the caudal fin is long and thin with a notch.

Distribution in Mexico fishing areas

The Tiger Shark is at home both in the open ocean and in shallow coastal waters. It is a resident of all Mexico fishing waters. The Tiger Shark has a notable tolerance for many different kinds of marine habitats but generally prefers murky waters in coastal areas such as river estuaries, harbors, and other inlets where runoff from the land attracts a high number of prey items.

The Tiger Shark is often seen at the surface and has been reported to depths of 1,100 feet. It migrates seasonally, moving into temperate waters from the tropics for the warmer months and returning during the winter. The Tiger Shark also makes long oceanic migrations and is capable of traveling long distances in a short amount of time.

Undoubtedly the least discriminative of all species, the Tiger Shark has a reputation of eating almost anything including sea turtles, rays, other sharks, fishes, sea birds, dolphins, squid, various crustaceans and carrion. One large female was found to have stomach contents including two empty cans, a plastic bottle, two burlap sacks, a squid, and an 8-inch fish.

The Tiger Shark is a solitary hunter that feeds primarily at night, moving further inshore and closer to the surface. The Tiger Shark is the only species of its family that is ovoviviparous. The gestation period ranges from 14 to 16 months; a female can give birth to anywhere from 10 to 80 pups that range in length from 12 to 18 inches.

The Tiger Shark is second only to the Great White Shark in the number of reported attacks on humans. Its large size and voraciousness make it a formidable predator in the ocean. It can be curious and aggressive towards humans in the water and must be considered with a great deal of respect.

Although not targeted directly by the United States commercial fishery, the Tiger Shark is routinely harvested for its fins and flesh. In addition, its liver, which contains a very high content of vitamin A, is used to produce vitamin oil, and its thick, tough skin makes quality leather. It is also a highly sought sportfishing big game fish.

Commercial and recreational fishing catches of the Tiger Shark are currently in the decline due to the fishing pressure that has adversely affected the population. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) presently lists the Tiger as "Near Threatened."

The Tiger Shark is a member of the Carchahinidae Family and one of the largest sharks, commonly between 10 to 14 feet long, but up to 17 feet long, and 850 to 2,000 pounds.

Tiger Shark Jaws Photo 1

Tiger Shark Photo 2

Tiger Shark, Galeocerdo cuvier: Larry Mensch of East Cape, Baja California Sur, Mexico, with the jaws of a Tiger Shark, initially identified as a Great White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias, caught 8 miles off Punta Pescadero on October 2, 2003, on a shark buoy owned by Silvino Burquez of El Cardonal. Length, 5 meters. When the stomach was opened, it was found to contain two full-sized sea turtles and a full-sized goat. Description and photos courtesy of Larry Mensch.

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