Tiger Shark

Tiger Sharks South Africa

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Oceans Africa have been crafting specialist scuba diving tours in South Africa for over 20 years. Having worked the in the shark diving industry in dive guide and skipper roles we know the industry from the inside – so let us help you plan a  shark diving tour in South Africa

TIGER SHARK – Galeocerdo cuvier.

Tiger sharks South Africa
Tiger Shark

Identification: Another unmistakable submarine presence, tiger sharks are thought attain 7m in length, however sightings in South Africa are almost invariably of female sharks under 4.5m. The robust body bears dark vertical bars along the back and sides to the tail. This beautiful patination, perfectly mimics the refraction of sunlight on a object through water, providing camouflage when seen from above. These markings become less obvious in larger, older sharks. The snout is blunt and square. The caudal fin (tail) is distinctively elongated on the upper lobe – more suited to slow cruising and short, sudden bursts of speed. The first dorsal is prominent and linked to the much smaller second dorsal by an inter-dorsal ridge that also extends forward to the back of the head. Broad, serrated, cockscomb teeth are widely set in both upper and lower jaws.

Biology: Tiger sharks attain sexual maturity at around 3m and give birth to between 10 and 80 live young, measuring 50 to 90cm. They are relatively slow moving and like the ragged tooth shark are able to remain motionless for long periods by regulating water flow over the gills by means of active respiration.

Behavior: Widespread throughout temperate and tropical seas, tiger sharks are known to enter shallow coastal waters in the vicinity of large river mouths and harbors. A voracious and opportunistic predator, they will feed on bony fish, smaller sharks, marine mammals and even birds. Tin cans, plastic bags and livestock have also been found in their stomachs – implying a tendency to scavenge. Recent research indicates that tiger sharks range extensively, covering large areas daily, often using a bouncing swim pattern of rapid ascents and descents through the water column to detect both benthic and pelagic activity and oils from floating or submerged carcasses. In July 2007 we witnessed approximately 15 individual tiger sharks feeding on the carcass of a dead whale – see full report on facebook. Periodically seen in the more tropical waters off South Africa, tiger sharks rarely investigate divers, tending rather to cruise past or shy away. They do however, respond well to baiting and can be encouraged to stay around divers in a baited environment. More on baited shark dives…

Dive Tours with Tiger Sharks:

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Shark Identification South Africa

What shark did we see?

When trying to identify any wild animals, colour is usually the least important feature. When it comes to identifying sharks try get a good look at the tail and any obvious markings – spots patterns and dark tips on the fins are always useful. Combine this with the size and location of fins and you should be getting pretty close to pinning down the family – if not the species -good luck!

Blue Sharks South Africa
Sharks of South Africa

Blue Shark

BLUE SHARK – Prionace glauca. Identification: The blue shark is a slender, elongate shark that may attain a length of 3.8 m. The body of the blue shark is

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Tiger Sharks South Africa
Oceans Africa News

Tiger Shark

TIGER SHARK – Galeocerdo cuvier. Identification: Another unmistakable submarine presence, tiger sharks are thought attain 7m in length, however sightings

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Ragged toothed shark South Africa
Sharks of South Africa

Ragged Toothed Shark

SPOTTED RAGGED TOOTHED SHARK – Charcharius taurus. Identification: Ragged toothed sharks are perhaps South Africa’s best loved sharks. Affectionately known

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This text has been compiled from several different sources, personal observations and anecdotes. It is intended to serve as a popular guide only. While every effort has been made to keep the information accurate and updated, it should not be seen in any way as a scientific text or reference.

Copyright: Oceans Africa 2012       Original artwork: Graeme S. Grant

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