Tiger SharkGaleocerdo cuvier

Megan Murphy

Order Carcharhiniformes - Ground Sharks

Most dominant group of sharks ~200 described species Anal fin 5 gill slits 2 dorsal fins No fin spines Mouth that reaches behind the eyes Nictitating eyelids

Family Carcharhinidae – Requiem Sharks Small or large Nearly circular eyes Usually no spiracles or barbels Pectoral fins are completely

behind the 5 gill slits Some don’t get bigger than

~28 in Some grow to be over 9 ft 48 species - dominating the

tropical shark fauna Wide habitat range Variety of prey

Tiger Shark

Can grow to be anywhere from over 18 up to 25 ft

Solitary except when mating One of the few sharks that will

occasionally take human prey Considered the most dangerous

in tropical water Second only to great whites

Got their name from the dark stripes on their body that fade as they mature

Shortfin Mako Shark – Isurus oxyrinchus

Order Lamniformes – Mackerel Sharks

Long snouts Mouth that stretches beyond the eyes 2 dorsal fins 1 anal fin While in the womb they are known to feed on their siblings Range from intertidal areas to the open ocean

Family Lamnidae – Mackerel Sharks

Large, heavy bodied Spindle-shaped Small to moderately large eyes Long conical snout Large mouths with slightly

protrusible jaws Large bladelike teeth Largest get up to 20 ft Found in all cold temperature

tropical seas 5 species

Shortfin Mako Shark

Fastest of all Can swim at speeds up to 22-

35 mph because of their torpedo-like body shape

Live in tropical and temperate offshore water

Can leap up to 20 ft out of the water into the air

Large dark eyes Up to 12 ft in length