How Tiger Shark Smart Are You?

Tiger sharks are known as the "garbage can of the sea" because they have a reputation for eating almost anything they come across. Unlike other shark species, tiger sharks have a highly varied diet and are opportunistic feeders. They are known to consume a wide range of prey including fish, turtles, birds, dolphins, and even garbage or human-made objects. This indiscriminate eating behavior has earned them the nickname "garbage can of the sea" as they are not picky eaters and will consume whatever they can fit into their mouths.

Tiger Sharks get their nicknames from the spots and stripes that cover juvenile tiger sharks.

Tiger sharks are relatively large at birth, measuring between 20 and 30 inches in length. This size allows them to be more independent and increases their chances of survival. Additionally, being born at this size enables them to hunt and feed on small prey right from the start. As they grow, tiger sharks can reach an impressive size of up to 16 feet in length and weigh over 2,000 pounds.

Female Tiger Sharks give birth once every three years. This reproductive pattern is known as triennial reproductive cycle. The female Tiger Sharks have a long gestation period of around 14-16 months, followed by giving birth to a large number of live young, ranging from 10 to 80 pups. This longer interval between pregnancies allows the female Tiger Sharks to recover and replenish their energy reserves before reproducing again. This reproductive strategy ensures the survival and growth of the offspring, as well as the long-term sustainability of the Tiger Shark population.

As a Tiger Shark grows, its diet changes because its mouth gets bigger and it is able to eat larger prey. As the shark's size increases, it can consume larger animals due to its increased jaw strength and size. This allows it to hunt and feed on larger prey that it was not capable of consuming when it was smaller. Therefore, the shark's diet evolves as it grows in order to accommodate its changing physical abilities.

The average size of a litter of Tiger Shark Pups is 20. This means that, on average, a female Tiger Shark gives birth to 20 pups at a time.