Tiger Sharks: The Ocean’s Fearsome ‘Man Eaters’

Tiger Sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) are the second-largest predatory shark and the fourth-largest shark in the ocean. Named after the pattern on the sides of their bodies, which fades over time, tiger sharks will eat just about anything they can sink their teeth into. Their diet is varied, consisting of fish, rays, smaller sharks, marine mammals, and birds that fly too close to the ocean’s surface. Notably, they are the only shark species that eat sea turtles. Let’s dive deeper into what tiger sharks eat and whether they’re dangerous to humans.

What do Tiger Sharks eat?

Tiger sharks are predators first and foremost, and they eat a carnivorous diet that can include:

• Various fish
• Stingrays
• Smaller sharks (including their own offspring)
• Sea snakes
• Sea turtles
• Seals
• Sea birds
• Squid
• Weak or deceased whales

They may also eat dead animals, and trash dumped into the ocean is often found in their stomachs as well. Like a new puppy, they eat what’s in their reach. A 2017 study examined the contents of tiger shark stomachs and found small antelopes, humpback dolphins, sea birds, African penguins, humpback whale remains, and porcupine fish.

The study also determined that:

• 55% of tiger shark stomachs contained other sharks, rays, or skates
• 51% contained ray-finned fish
• 40% contained mammals
• 27% contained birds
• 13% contained crustaceans
• 6% contained reptiles

As you can see, tiger sharks are opportunistic feeders. Tiger sharks will eat a more specialized diet when it’s easy to do so. Hawaii is home to many green turtles and Hawaiian monk seals, and tiger sharks in the area take advantage of these delicacies.

Are Tiger Sharks Dangerous to Humans?

Tiger sharks are sometimes called man-eater sharks. They are aggressive, wild animals. The combination of being at the top of the food chain and being willing to eat anything doesn’t do people in the ocean any favors. Tiger sharks are the second most aggressive sharks to humans after the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). This makes them sound more threatening than they are. Tiger sharks have been observed swimming around people without attacking them, and since 1958, there have been 131 documented attacks on humans resulting in 34 fatalities. This makes tiger sharks significantly less deadly to humans than many other animals, including mosquitoes, snakes, elephants, deer, and freshwater snails. Not to mention dogs. You’re far more likely to be bitten by a dog than a shark, though it is fair to say that dog bites typically hurt a lot less.

How do Tiger Sharks Hunt?

Tiger sharks swim closer to the shore at night, where they find their prey. They sneak up on prey using slow movements and the ability to camouflage in dark waters, then attack with great speed. They may circle their prey or examine it before eating, and are said to be very confident about their hunting prowess! Their serrated teeth and strong jaws allow them to clamp down hard. They eat smaller prey whole, but may eat larger animals in bites.

Baby tiger sharks, called pups, eat coastal fish, jellyfish, and mollusks. Young tiger sharks have also been found to be fond of avian fare and are known to wait for songbirds migrating close to the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Tiger shark pups are vulnerable to predators themselves and may even be considered a tasty snack by older relatives.