tiger shark

a large shark, Galeocerdo cuvieri, inhabiting warm seas, noted for its voracious habits.

[1775-85]

* * *

Potentially dangerous shark (Galeocerdo cuvieri, family Carcharhinidae), found worldwide in warm oceans, from the shoreline to the open sea.

Up to 18 ft (5.5 m) long, the grayish tiger shark has a long, pointed upper tail lobe, and its large teeth are deeply notched along one side. This voracious shark eats fishes, other sharks, turtles, mollusks, birds, carrion, and garbage, including coal, tin cans, and clothing. It is a source of leather and liver oil. See also sand shark.

* * *

▪ shark species

      (Galeocerdo cuvieri), large, potentially dangerous shark of the family Carcharhinidae. It is noted for its voracity and inveterate scavenging, as well as its reputation as a man-eater. The tiger shark is found worldwide in warm oceans, from the shoreline to the open sea. A maximum of about 5.5 m (18 feet) long, it is grayish and patterned, when young, with dark spots and vertical bars. It has a long, pointed upper tail lobe and large, saw-edged teeth that are deeply notched along one side.

      An omnivorous feeder that sometimes damages the nets and catches of fishermen, the tiger shark eats fishes, other sharks, sea turtles, mollusks, seabirds, carrion, and garbage. It has also been known to swallow coal, tin cans, bones, and clothing. It is of some commercial value as a source of leather and liver oil.

* * *