The tiger shark is the fourth biggest shark in the world and is found in warmer and tropical waters in the Southern Hemisphere. Tiger sharks are named for the dark, vertical stripes found mainly on juveniles. As these sharks mature, the lines begin to fade and almost disappear.
Fast facts about Tiger Sharks
1. The length of the tiger shark measures around 3 – 4.2 m (9.8 – 13.8 feet), with a weight measuring at 385 – 635 kg (849 – 1,400 lb). Some male species have been known to grow up to 4.5 m (14 – 15 feet) long whereas females measure at 5.5 m (18 feet).
2. Tiger sharks have a skin colour that varies from blue to light green. This helps in catching its prey and deceives completely through camouflaging.
3. They have an exceptional capability to detect electric fields spawned by the prey. This quality allows them to hunt even at night.
4. Tiger shark is known as voracious carnivore (meat-eater). Regular prey of tiger shark includes dolphins, fish, turtles, sea birds and sea snakes
5. Tiger sharks are solitary creatures most of the time. They will gather in larger groups during mating season or for the collective feeding when the large prey is available.
6. Tiger sharks become sexually mature when they reach the length between 6.6 and 9.8 feet. Due to prolonged pregnancy, females mate once every three years.
7. After internal fertilization (male inserts sperm directly into the female’s body), eggs develop inside the mother’s womb. Pregnancy lasts around 16 months and ends with 20 to 90 baby tiger sharks.
8. Tiger sharks are migratory species. They travel several thousand miles each year toward warmer waters when temperature of water drops down.
9. A tiger shark’s teeth are so strong they can cut through the shell of a sea turtle.
10. Tiger sharks can survive up to 50 years in the wild.
