Species profile
Tiger Shark
Galeocerdo cuvier
Identify Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 5 jurisdictions.
At a glance
Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) is an IUCN Near Threatened shark or ray regulated in 8 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
Bag limits are uniform at 1 per angler across the 5 regulating jurisdictions.
Across 4 jurisdictions with stated minimum sizes, the average minimum is 54.0 in (≈ 4 ft 6 in).
Confirmed by 84 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Hawaii, Florida, and Texas the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Listed under CITES — verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Notable details
- Ranks second worldwide in unprovoked attacks on humans, behind only the great white shark.
- Juvenile tiger sharks display bold stripes that gradually fade as the animal matures.
- Stomach contents have included license plates, tires, and canned goods—it eats almost anything.
- A female can give birth to as many as 80 pups in a single litter.
- Reaches 14 feet (4.3 m) in length and can weigh over 1,400 pounds (635 kg).
Where Tiger Shark are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Tiger Shark
Protected status
- CITES Appendix II (Carcharhinidae — all requiem sharks, CoP19 effective Nov 2023).
Always verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Background
The tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) is a species of requiem shark and the only extant member of the genus Galeocerdo. It is a large macropredator, capable of attaining a length over 5 m (16 ft 5 in). Populations are found in many tropical and temperate waters, especially around central Pacific islands. Its name derives from the dark stripes down its body, which resemble a tiger's pattern, but…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Tiger Shark article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other sharks & rays on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Tiger Shark?
Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) is an IUCN Near Threatened shark or ray regulated in 8 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Tiger Shark?
Tiger Shark is Galeocerdo cuvier.
Is Tiger Shark regulated for fishing?
Yes — Tiger Shark has fishing regulations in 5 U.S. states and/or Canadian provinces tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Tiger Shark?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Tiger Shark along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.