Tiger shark

Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier), also known as the garbage cans of the sea, are scavenger sharks and are known to pose a danger to humans due to their large size, opportunistic nature and occurrence in shallower waters.

Description

Large sharks, up to 3-6 metres, with striped markings on a dark, grey brown back. The teeth are saw-edged in a cockscomb shape.

Distribution

Tiger sharks are found worldwide in tropical and subtropical seas. In Australia, they occur across northern Australia and south to southern NSW and Perth in WA. The species is most active at night when it comes closer inshore and near the surface.

Diet

Tiger sharks are highly opportunistic, eating everything from fish, smaller sharks, rays, seabirds, crabs, mammals – some sharks have been found with licence plates and other rubbish inside their stomachs!

Shark smarts

Have you heard of Sydney's famous shark arm case? In 1935 a fisher landed a 3 metre tiger shark and took it to an aquarium to entertain visitors on Anzac Day. After a few days, visitors were shocked when the shark regurgitated a human arm in front of them! The arm was used to identify one James Smith of Gladeville, who had gone missing after drinks with a friend. His friend was taken to trial, but later found not guilty due to a lack of evidence.