Tiger Shark ‘Galeocerdo Cuvier’

Its scientific name holds a hint to its nature. 'Galeo' is from the shark family, but 'cerdo' means 'fox' or 'wily one'. Tiger sharks often rely on foxy qualities to catch their prey, moving stealthily, cleverly and undetected when hunting, usually in the dark of night. Their wiliness is also seen in their ability to find a meal almost anywhere, even being known to follow ships for any leftovers thrown overboard- earning them the nickname 'thrash cans of the sea'.

Despite their reputation as a 'man-eater', in good visibility and approached properly- face-on and eye-to-eye- tigers can be surprisingly gentle and inquisitive company.

A diver and a tiger shark peacefully sharing the clear waters of the Caribbean together at Tiger Beach in The Bahamas (photo: Brian Skerry)