Coastal waters, often near reefs and in shallow areas.
Distribution
Tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.
Conservation status
Near Threatened
Edibility
Meat is consumed in some fisheries, but large individuals can contain high mercury levels. As a Near Threatened shark subject to international trade controls, consumption should be avoided or carefully limited.
Culinary quality / 5
3
Danger level
Dangerous
Usual observation depth
?–100 m
Lifespan (years)
27
Behaviour
Generally solitary and highly mobile. Primarily active at night, but may also be active during the day; undertakes long movements between coastal and offshore habitats. Juveniles often use sheltered coastal areas.
Observation zones
Reef edges, lagoons, sandy channels, drop-offs, open water, estuaries and coastal areas associated with mangroves.
Diet
Generalist opportunistic predator feeding on bony fish, sharks and rays, sea turtles, seabirds, marine mammals, cephalopods, crustaceans and carrion.
Reproduction
Viviparous
Identification marks
Robust shark with a broad head, short, square snout, large oval eyes and a long upper caudal lobe. Juveniles and many adults bear dark vertical bars or tiger-like stripes on the flanks; they fade in old adults.
Similar species
Can be confused with other large requiem sharks, especially the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas). The latter is generally stockier, with a shorter, more blunt snout, and lacks the tiger shark’s lateral bars. The broad head, long upper caudal lobe, and striped flanks distinguish the tiger shark.
Approach rules
Potentially dangerous: observe only with experienced guides and according to local diving protocols. Maintain a respectful distance, remain calm and vertical, keep the shark in sight, do not block its path and do not touch it; do not use bait and do not feed it. Avoid flash, unless explicitly authorized by the operator.
Protection
Classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Listed in CITES Appendix II; international trade for commercial purposes is regulated to contribute to its sustainability and legality.
