Tiger sharks are named that way because of their tiger-like, black stripes that cover the body of young animals. It reaches lengths of up to 5.5 metres (18 feet), and weighs over 900 kg (2000 pounds). Tiger Shark Facts for Kids: Top Ten Facts The Tiger Shark’s scientific name is Galeocerdo cuvier. At the age of maturity the males measure at 2.3 to 2.9 metres (7.5 to 9.5 feet) while females measure 2.5 – 3.5 metres (8.2 – 11 feet). Most tiger sharks are between 3 and 4.5 m (10 to 14 ft.) in length, and weigh between 385 and 635 kg (850 and 1,400 lb). The Tiger Shark, also called Galeocerdo Cuvier in the scientific community, is the only member of the Galeocerdo genus. The Tiger Shark gets its name from the tiger-like stripes and spots on the sides of its body. A baby Tiger Shark has spots not stripes. background-image: url('/wp-content/themes/cassiopeia/assets/icons/facebook-icon.svg'); A whale shark can reach over 20 meters in length making is the largest shark at present. Rush Band Radio, Tiger sharks weigh between 385 and 635 kg (850 and 1,400 lb). This provides camouflage from predators and prey. At birth, the size of a pup is 51 to 76 centimeters. Where Do Tiger Sharks Live? News and facts about animals, natural history and science. Its stomach has been found to contain license plates, tyres, clothing and other man-made objects. This is one of the largest known species of shark. As the babies reach maturity their spots begin to blend together and form their iconic stripes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If a shark was put into a large swimming pool, it would be able to smell a single drop of blood in the water. The tiger shark is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Shortcomings Of Assertive Nationalists, These stripes fade as the shark gets older. Tiger sharks are nocturnal hunters and hunt alone. It is one of the requiem sharks and the only species of shark from the genus Galeocerdo that is alive today. Humans have also hunted these sharks for liver oil, fins, flesh and skin. (It’s completely free, you can unsubscribe at any time, and we’ll never share your details.). Washington Square Mall Map, Join the thousands of Active Wild subscribers who receive free wildlife and science news & info direct to their inboxes! This article recognizes some of the essential tiger shark facts for kids that are not known elsewhere including tiger shark habitat, diet, and reproduction. They have the reputation of eating other sharks. The tiger shark is nocturnal. cursor: pointer; What Do Tiger Sharks Eat? As animals become older, these stripes fade away, becoming almost invisible in adult animals. They’re the fourth largest shark behind the. One of the largest tiger sharks ever reported weighed 1,524 kg (3,360 lb), and was around 5.5 m (18 feet) long. The tiger shark is found throughout the world's coastal temperate and tropical waters, with the exception of the Mediterranean Sea, and have been known to swim to depths of up to 350 metres (1150 feet). In the western Atlantic, it is found from Massachusetts to Uruguay, and in the Gulf of Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean Sea. Tagging studies have found that some Tiger Sharks stay in the same area, whereas others are more nomadic. Animals That Start With W: List With Pictures & Facts, American Alligator Facts, Pictures & In-Depth Information. It is also commonly found in estuaries and harbours. Tiger shark is one of the most dangerous species of shark when it comes to its interaction with humans. These stripes fade as the shark gets older. The Tiger Shark exhibits ‘countershading’. Flying Squirrels Facts: Meet The Gliding Rodents Of North America!