Page 242 - The Virgin Islands

rey Reef Shark. Adult size: maximum 8.to 20 feet. It is distin- iger Shark - The tiger shark is a relatively large macropredator,

G guished by its perfectly grey skin, white belly and its black T capable of attaining a length over 5 m (16 ft). It is found in many

edged caudal fin. This shark has a lively and bold behavioral pat- tropical and temperate waters, and it is especially common around
tern notably observed in the presence of stimuli. The Grey shark central Pacific islands. Its name derives from the dark stripes down
is described to have the vivacity of the Black tip and the strength its body which resemble a tiger’s pattern, which fade as the shark
of the Lemon shark. For this reason it is both feared and respected. matures. The tiger shark is a solitary, mostly nocturnal hunter, and
Schools of a few hundred specimens are seen during the day in the is notable for having the widest food spectrum of all sharks, con-
Tuamotu Archipelago. However, they split up at night, the period suming a variety of prey ranging from crustaceans, fish, seals, birds,
in which they are most active. Somewhat curious, this shark will squid, turtles, and sea snakes to dolphins and even other smaller
not hesitate to curiously approach divers a few feet away only to sharks. The tiger shark has been known to eat inedible manmade
scurry away shortly thereafter. They usually are found in the north- objects that linger in its stomach, and it has a reputation as a “gar-
ern coast of Moorea at Tiki point, with the peculiarity of only female bage eater”. The tiger shark is considered a near threatened spe-
sittings. They are also found mostly in the vicinity of the reef walls cies due to finning and fishing by humans. The tiger shark ranks in
and outside in the passes, from the surface to 100 meters in depth. size only behind the whale shark, the basking shark, the great white
shark, and the great hammerhead. Due to high risk of predatory
L emon Shark - Size: Maximum 11.5 feet. The Lemon shark has attacks, dolphins often avoid regions inhabited by tiger sharks. The
a massive body of a yellowish brown color, easy to recognize tiger shark is responsible for a large percentage of fatal attacks and
because of its large dorsal fins of the same size, its visible set of is regarded as one of the most dangerous shark species. They often
smooth, sharp teeth and its little yellow eye in the form of a lemon, visit shallow reefs, harbors, and canals, creating the potential for
hence its name. It is the lord of the reef, given its size and weight. encounter with humans. The tiger shark also dwells in river mouths
Reacts actively to stimuli during a dive and is considered to be one and other runoff-rich water. While the tiger shark is considered to
of the most imposing figures one can come across at the dive sites. be one of the sharks most dangerous to humans, its attack rate is
It is often found resting on the bottom, close to the coast from the low. The tiger is second on the list of number of recorded attacks on
surface down to a depth of 90 meters. It is an active hunter of fish, humans, with the great white shark being first.
shellfish, sea birds and small rays