Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)

IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened

Can reach sizes larger than 18 feet

Globally distributed in tropical and warm-temperate coastal areas

Relatively fast growing and fecund species

Considered to have the most diverse diet of any shark species, with prey items including bony fish, elasmobranchs, turtles, sea birds, seals, dolphins, invertebrates, carrion, along with garbage items like plastics and license plates!

Only species in family Carcharhinidae that is ovoviviparous, meaning that the embryos develop inside eggs that are retained within the mother until hatching occurs, after which the pups leave the uterus and are born live

Litter sizes can be large, with averages around 30-35, but reported up to ~80 individuals!

Though tiger sharks are targeted as well as captured as bycatch, and there is evidence of population declines, the widespread distribution of this species, along with its relatively high growth and reproduction rates, give this species an advantage over other species when being exploited