As the fourth largest shark species and the second in human attack statistics, the Tiger shark, also known as the Sea Tiger, sits atop the marine food chain, devouring everything smaller than itself.

Tiger sharks are normally inert swimmers, only coming alive around food, which seems to be most objects and creatures found in their immediate vicinity - they will readily eat even if not hungry. They will consume various manmade objects, as well as many different types of animals, such as seals, turtles, dolphins, sea snakes, birds, other sharks and fish, squids and crustaceans.

The above explains Tiger sharks' high attack statistics. They are an aggressive species that is often hunted out by humans because of the danger they pose.

How big

An average Tiger shark will comfortably grow to between 11 and 14ft and 850 to 1400lbs. It's thought that the species can attain staggering specs of over 20ft and 3000lbs, with a possibly pregnant shark caught off Australia at 3360lbs.

When & Where

Tiger sharks are present in tropical seas worldwide, usually staying in coastal waters, but also found offshore around island groups.

In the western Atlantic they range from Cape Cod, MA to and throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The eastern Pacific sees them south of Southern California. They can also be found off west and east Africa and throughout the Indo-Pacific, including southeastern Asia, Australia, New Zealand and many central Pacific islands.

How to catch

As with all sharks, oily/bloody chum will attract these giants to the surface. Trolling or drift fishing with whole or cut fish or any other meat will be effective. It makes little difference what specific bait is used.

Anything goes with the Tiger shark. Reeled in out of Sanibel, FL

Good to eat?

Edible, but the flesh is usually used for making chum.

Regulations