240 Tiger Shark 



worms. In some areas lobsters comprise a large part of 

 its diet. The spiny dogfish matures when about 3 feet long. 

 Normally 10-20 young are born at one time, but smaller 

 litters have been reported. Young are born in summer in 

 the northern part of the species' range. 

 Economic Importance: Frequently taken in large numbers 

 by the commercial fisheries, but only a limited quantity is 

 marketed. A common catch of the surf-caster and recrea- 

 tional boat fisherman. 



Tiger Shark 

 Galeocerdo cuvier (LeSueur) 



Color: Body gray or brown-gray, lighter hued on sides 

 and belly than on back. Specimens under 6 feet marked 

 with brown spots fusing into irregular bars on sides. 

 Distribution: World-wide in tropical and subtropical waters. 

 In the western Atlantic recorded from Cape Cod to 

 Uruguay. Most abundant in the Caribbean-South Florida 

 region. Only a few recorded north of Florida as summer 

 visitors. 



Size: Reported to reach a length of 30 feet. Most speci- 

 mens taken are less than 14 feet. A tiger shark 13-14 feet 

 long weighs 1,000-1,400 pounds. 



General Information: The tiger shark is found in both 

 inshore and offshore waters. It often enters bays and river 

 mouths in the south. A noted scavenger, it feeds on animal 

 debris thrown from ships or dumped from shore. Eats a 

 wide variety of foods. Crabs, horse-shoe crabs, spiny 



