AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NTInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Near Threatened — close to qualifying as Vulnerable. Requires ongoing monitoring.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Galeocerdo cuvier
Tiger Shark
Péron & Lesueur, 1822
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Large shark characterized by vertical dark stripes on its sides that fade with age, and its blunt, short snout.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Chondrichthyes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Carcharhiniformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Carcharhinidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Galeocerdo
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Péron & Lesueur, 1822
Record Completeness
94%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits tropical and warm-temperate waters, from estuaries and harbors to the open ocean in reefs and continental shelves.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Active predator, frequently nocturnal.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary, although aggregations have been observed in areas with high food availability.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Opportunistic and generalist hunter.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Wide-ranging top predator in tropical waters.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Ovoviviparous; young hatch inside the mother before birth.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
100.0 - 550.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
400.00 kg - 900.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.10 - 80
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
7 - 10 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
300 - 400
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males20 Years
Females20 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are slightly smaller than females.
Females Multi-lang
Females reach a greater maximum length.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Highly specialized comb-shaped teeth for cutting through hard prey, including turtle shells.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Indiscriminate fishing for its fins, skin, and oil, as well as general degradation of marine ecosystems.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Known as the garbage can of the seas due to its unselective diet, consuming everything from fish to inanimate objects.