Tiger sharks are one of the ocean's largest predatory shark species, renowned for their impressive size and distinctive striped patterns when young.
Adult tiger sharks exhibit a notable difference in size between sexes, with females generally growing significantly larger than males. The maximum length attained by adult female tiger sharks is approximately 18 feet (5.5 meters). In contrast, adult male tiger sharks typically reach a maximum length of about 12.1 feet (3.7 meters). While these figures represent their potential maximums, most adult tiger sharks encountered are commonly less than 13 feet (400 cm) in length.
This table provides a quick overview of their typical and maximum sizes:
| Characteristic | Length (Feet) | Length (Meters/CM) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Female Length | 18 feet | 5.5 meters |
| Max Male Length | 12.1 feet | 3.7 meters |
| Most Adults | < 13 feet | < 400 cm |
Their substantial size contributes to their status as apex predators in various marine environments, making them a formidable presence in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.
