Common Prey:
* Fish: They are known to eat a variety of fish, including bony fish, sharks, rays, and even sea turtles.
* Crustaceans: Crabs, lobsters, and shrimp are all on the menu for tiger sharks.
* Seabirds: They sometimes catch birds that are swimming or resting on the water surface.
* Marine Mammals: These include dolphins, seals, and even small whales.
Unusual Prey:
Tiger sharks are known for consuming a wide variety of unusual items, often referred to as "garbage gut" because they have been found to contain:
* Licenses, tires, license plates, shoes, toys, bottles, and even a cowbell.
* Human remains: While not common, there have been cases of tiger sharks consuming human remains.
Dietary Adaptations:
* Sharp Teeth: Tiger sharks have rows of sharp, serrated teeth that are perfect for ripping and tearing flesh.
* Strong Jaws: They have powerful jaws that can crush bone and shell.
* Large Size: Their size allows them to hunt a wide variety of prey.
Hunting Behavior:
Tiger sharks are ambush predators, meaning they wait for their prey to come close before striking. They are also known to be scavengers, feeding on dead or dying animals.
Important Note:
While tiger sharks are apex predators, they play a vital role in the ecosystem. Their diverse diet helps to maintain the balance of marine life.