MorphologyTiger sharks have bilateral symmetry. One of the largest sharks living today, the tiger shark commonly attains a length of 9.8–13.8 ft and weighs around 850–1,400 lb. Females are larger, and exceptionally big ones can reportedly measure over 16 ft. While on average smaller and, due to a more streamlined, slender build, typically weighing less, the largest tiger sharks can rival great white shark in length.
|
Importance - Ecological and Economical
The tiger shark is captured and killed for its fins, flesh, and liver. It is caught regularly in target and nontarget fisheries. Several populations evidently have declined where they have been heavily fished, but in general, they do not face a high risk of extinction. Continued demand, though, especially for fins, may result in further declines in the future. Tiger sharks are considered a near threatened species due to excessive finning and fishing by humans according to International Union for Conservation of Nature. The tiger shark is an apex predator and has a reputation for eating anything. Numerous fish, crustaceans, dugongs, sea birds, sea snakes, marine mammals, and sea turtles including the three largest species: the green,the leatherback turtle and the loggerhead turtles are regularly eaten by adult tiger sharks. The tiger shark also eats other sharks (including adult sandbar sharks), as well as rays, and will even eat con specifics.
Interesting Facts
|