A Tiger Shark Is Second Most Dangerous
The name, tiger shark, comes from the stripes on its dark back. These disappear as the shark matures. The belly is off white to pale yellow.
It has a blunt snout and a thick body. One unique feature is a gill slit (a spiracle) located behind its eyes. This improves its vision by sending oxygen directly to its brain and eyes. This makes it easier for him to hunt and feed at night.
Two rows of razor sharp teeth and a strong jaw make him a ferocious hunter. As teeth are worn out they are automatically replaced. This process continues throughout the lifetime of the shark.
It has the reputation of being very aggressive. It has attacked more humans than any other shark with the exception of the great white. This refers to fatal attacks.
Scientifically named Glaeocerdo Cuvier, it has an estimated average weight of 700 kilograms. On average, it is five meters long. It attacks whales, sea lions, sea turtles and birds for food. It swims near islands, preying on young, inexperienced birds that fly close to the water.
They are found in tropical and sub tropical seas. Their habitat includes just off the shorelines as well as open waters. Except for mating time, they swim alone rather than in schools.
They are slow swimmers except when chasing prey. They can swim in short bursts of speed at that time. Well known for fatal attacks on people, this is not the first choice of food.
The tiger shark is ovoviviparous, meaning it carries eggs internally and give birth to live pups. Gestation time is one year. It has been estimated to produce 10 to 82 pups at one time.
At age four to six, the tiger shark is sexually mature. The life span is twelve years, approximately. This is a dangerous creature. When he ventures close to shore, the lifeguards at the beaches call everyone out of the water immediately. They are easily seen in clear waters
Studying sharks has been Cathy Williams’s passion for as long as she can remember and has always wondered about the tiger shark.
Tags: Animalia, animals, Animals and Plants, Biology, Cartilaginous, Chordata, Fish, Flora and Fauna, outdoors, recreation, Science, sharks, Zoology