Tiger Sharks - Amazing creatures
Tiger sharks are one of the largest in the world. They can average up to 20 feet long and their body can weigh up to 2000 pounds. They are commonly found in tropical coastal waters. They tend to stay in deep waters along the reefs but move into the channels to find their food, usually at night, when they are hunting. Tiger sharks derive their name from the dark stripes on their back, which normally fade as they mature.
Tiger sharks are a very dangerous predator. Their diet is made up of fish, squid, turtles, even seals. Really, they’ll eat anything they have access to, including objects which are indigestible such as license plates of cars and even tires. Tiger sharks are extremely aggressive. They have excellent eyesight which enables them to see in even the murkiest of waters, and on the same page, have an extraordinary sense of smell. When they come upon their prey, they are known to circle around them and even prod them with their snout. When they attack, it can be extremely brutal as they usually devour their prey all at once.
Tiger sharks heads are somewhat shaped like a wedge, which make it very easy for them to turn quickly to their side. They have small pits on the upper sides of their bodies which hold electrical sensors that enable them to pick up movements of other creatures. This is what gives them the unique ability to hunt in darkness. Tiger sharks have long fins and a lengthy upper tail. Their fins act like their wings and give them lift as they maneuver through water, where their tail gives them speed. They usually swim at an average speed of 2.4 mph but can also shoot into fast bursts when necessary.
Tiger sharks have very large mouths with powerful jaws. They have flat, triangular, serrated teeth. Like most others, when they lose or break one of their teeth, they grow a replacement.
Tiger sharks are responsible for a number of fatal shark attacks on humans. Because they like to reside in temperate waters, they are almost bound to come into contact with humans. They have traveled as far south as New Zealand and as far north as Japan and the northern United States. During the winter months, when the waters are cooler, they will try and stay close to the equator. They can easily travel up to 50 miles in one day and although not proven, have been known to live for 30-40 years.