According to the National Geographic Society, these sharks are “consummate scavengers with excellent senses of sight and smell.” Tiger sharks are thusly named because of the distinctive tiger-like stripes on juveniles, which begin to fade and almost disappear as the sharks age. Size: Average of 10 to 14 feet (3 to 4.3 m). Large specimens can grow to as much as 25 feet in length (7.6 meters) Weight: Average of 850 to 1,400 pounds (385.6 to 635 kg). Large specimens can weigh more than 1,900 pounds (861.8 kg) Average life span: 15 or more years Preferred prey: Tiger sharks have an almost limitless diet. Again, according to National Geographic, they possess “sharp, highly serrated teeth and powerful jaws that allow them to crack the shells of sea turtles and clams. Tiger-shark stomach contents have been found to include stingrays, sea snakes, seals, birds, squids, and everything in between including license plates and old tires.” Commonly found: In tropical and sub-tropical waters throughout the world Endangered status: Near Threatened — likely to become vulnerable in the near future Threats to survival: Human beings heavily harvest tigers for their fins, skin, flesh, and livers. Combined with their extremely low re-population rates, they may be highly susceptible to fishing pressure.

According to the National Geographic Society, great white sharks are “highly adapted predators with mouths lined with up to 300 serrated, triangular teeth arranged in several rows. They have an exceptional sense of smell to detect prey, but the legendary great white shark is far more fearsome in our imaginations than in reality.” Size: Average of 15 feet (4.6 m). Large specimens can grow to as much as 20 feet in length (6.1 m) Weight: Average of 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) though larger specimens can weigh more Average life span: Up to 70 years Preferred prey: “Young great white sharks eat fish (including other sharks) and rays. As they grow, the sharks’ favorite prey becomes sea mammals, especially sea lions and seals.” Commonly found: In cool, coastal waters throughout the world Endangered status: Vulnerable — at high risk of extinction in the wild Threats to survival: Coveted as a gamefish, great whites are victims of both overfishing and accidental bycatch in gill nets.