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are in certain parts of the ocean and we had to be cautious when we joined them in their territory.

Sharks are in many tropical and coastal waters throughout the world in winter but spread north and south during the summer. The tiger shark is prized by sport fishermen but does not have much commercial value than many other sharks. Because of this it is not under no direct threat as other sharks are.

Tiger sharks are 10-16 feet on average but can be up to 23 feet. Their weight on the average is 2,200 pounds. Tiger sharks are ovoviviparous. This means that they produce eggs which hatch in the female's body. Gestation is about 9 months. The number of young are 10-90. Their lifestyle is solitary and nomadic. Their diet is anything they can catch. The lifespan of a tiger shark is 30-40 years. The related species are the requiem shark. It is a large family which includes the lemon shark, blue shark, and bull shark.

What are the special features of the tiger shark? The head is wedge-shaped which gives it minimum side resistance, allowing the shark to turn quickly. It normally swims using sinuous movements of its body. Its high back and dorsal fin act as a fulcrum, allowing it to spin
quickly on its axis.

It has electro-receptors in different points in its body which are small pits containing electrical sensors which enable the shark to pick up even the tiniest muscle movement of its prey so it can locate its victim in the dark. Pectorals are long fins that act like wings and provide lift as the fish swims through the water. Its large and oily liver helps it to keep it from shrinking. The tiger shark's long upper tail lobe provides thrust for sudden bursts of speed.

In looking at a photo of a tiger shark swimming its direction, one cannot notice how focused it is. There is no hesitation in where and what the tiger sharks wants to do. No one or nothing will stand in its way. It is more focused than a torpedo or a missile. Another photo shows just the head of a tiger shark with its mouth open. What a scary sight! How could one survive the bite of those sharp and precise teeth? Most of us do not want to find out.

Wildlife-Fact File tells us, "Sharks were once thought to be instinctive killing machines, but it is now believed that they learn to hunt by experience. Their scent of smell is so important to a shark that nearly two-thirds of its brain is devoted to processing scent information."

What are their habits? Solitary tiger sharks cruise the coastal and offshore waters of

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