Profile: Tiger Shark
Attacks: 155
Fatalities: 29 (Planet Deadly)
Size Range: 10-16ft
Large specimens can grow between 20ft+. (Nat Geo)
Population Status: Near threatened (WWF)
Behaviour
Tiger Sharks have a well earned reputation for being man eaters. They are second only to the Great White Shark in attacking humans. Tiger Sharks have been named ‘waste basket of the sea’ as they will eat more or less anything (National Geo). They are incredibly aggressive and will stop at nothing to complete a hunt (Shark World). Thus when they do bite humans they are unlikely to swim away as Great Whites frequently do. They are naturally curious and are known to taste whatever they can find.
They will also attack when they feel they are in danger which is why they are known to attack humans (Shark World). However diving with this species is possible if you remain calm and don't startle the animal as when they see that you are human they tend to have no interests.
Habitat
Tiger Sharks prefer warm waters and are most frequently found in tropical and subtropical climates such as; The Caribean, Hawaii, Indianesia and many others. Their movement patterns are guided by water temperature and depth. Tiger Sharks can swim at a depth of 350 metres (How Stuff Works) but can frequently be found on reefs and in shallower waters searching for prey (Sharksider).
Hunting
Tiger Sharks have an endless menu of foods they are willing to eat. The main diet consistets of stingrays, sea snakes, seals, birds, squids and even other sharks. They have sharp teeth and incredibly powerful jaws allowing them to eat sea turtles and clam (Nat Geo).
According to a study by Tennesen Tiger Sharks can swim 30-40 miles a day in search of food (How Stuff Works).
Tiger Sharks are naturally vary curious and will eat almost anything in their way. Items such as lisence plates, old tires, parts of boats and even jewelly have been found in the stomach of dead Tiger Sharks (Nat Geo).
National Geographic, 'Tiger Shark', unkown, found at: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/tiger-shark/
Shark World, 'Tiger Shark – Galeocerdo cuvier', 2014, found at: http://www.sharks-world.com/tiger_shark/
Sharksider, 'Tiger Shark', 2014, found at: http://www.sharksider.com/tiger-shark/
Planet Deadly, 'Most Dangerour Sharks', date published: December 5th, 2013, found at: http://www.planetdeadly.com/animals/dangerous-sharks
WWF, 'Sharks', unknown, http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/shark