How to Identify a Tiger Shark

The tiger shark, better known as "the wastebasket of the sea," has been known to eat pretty much anything that it comes across. Given this dubious distinction, it is a good idea to observe this predator from a safe place on the boat or pier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A sharp eye
• A good bit of distance

The Tiger Shark

1. The tiger shark is second only to the great white shark in the number of times it attacks humans. This supreme predator is named for the tiger like stripes running down its back as a juvenile. As the tiger shark gets larger, these stripes begin to fade and become tougher to see.
2. The tiger shark is extremely large and aggressive. The average tiger shark will be around 10-14 feet but some grow to be longer than 20 feet. The tiger shark increases in length and girth. Large tiger sharks will exceed 1000 pounds.
3. The tiger shark sports a gray-blue back and sides and a white underbelly.
4. The tiger shark has a blunt snout that is extremely wide due to its size. Under this blunt snout is a large mouth that can gape open widely. This allows for plenty of biting power. The tiger shark also sports very sharp serrated teeth that are designed to saw open prey. They are as sharp as razors.
5. The tiger shark will eat anything it comes across including its own species, turtles, birds, fish, trash cans, dolphins and humans.
6. The tiger shark is found in tropical and subtropical waters throughout the world. They will come in close to shore and are found out at sea. Because they are scavengers, they will particularly linger around piers and even in estuaries looking for food.

Tips & Warnings

• Never swim in waters the tiger shark has been known to inhabit.
• Observe a tiger shark form a boat.