Tiger Shark vs. Great White Shark for 2025

Apr 7, 2025 | 4 minute read Comments
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Reading Time: 4 minutes

Tiger Sharks and Great Whites are two of the biggest and most powerful predators on earth. They sit squarely at the top of the food chain, and eat anything that swims their way: dolphins, turtles, other Sharks – even boats, if you believe what they say in the movies. It’s safe to say that none of us want to get on the wrong side of these toothy terrors.

A massive Great White Shark swimming near a group of cage divers underwater
Warning: best observed from inside a big, metal cage.

However, other than their size and aggression, Great Whites and Tiger Sharks are nothing alike. They prefer different habitats, and the ways they hunt are poles apart. In this article, you can learn all about what makes these Shark species special, from the way they look to the way they behave and much more. 

Tiger Shark vs. Great White Size

A diver stroking a large Tiger Shark underwater, with smaller fish swimming around behind
Neither of them are what you’d call small.

Tigers and Great Whites are the biggest predatory Sharks alive today. But which is bigger? There’s actually not much to it in terms of length. Tiger Sharks average around 10–14 feet and max out at just over 18 feet. Fully-grown White Sharks (their official name) often reach around 16 feet. They may grow to 20 feet or even more, although monsters that size are rare.

Length is only half the story, though. Great Whites have a much heavier build than Tiger Sharks. A White Shark will generally weigh more than a Tiger Shark of the same size. That being said, neither of them are what you’d call skinny. Both species have been weighed in at over 3,000 pounds in the past, and they sure know how to throw their weight around.

How to Identify Tiger Sharks and Great Whites

An infographic on Tiger Shark vs. Great White Shark identification. On the right, there is a Tiger Shark and a Great White Shark beneath it. On the left, text reads "1. Color and Pattern: Tiger Sharks are blue-green with dark stripes and light bellies; Great Whites are solid dark gray with white bellies." "2. Tail: Tiger Sharks have long top tail fins; Great Whites have even tail fins." "3. Head: Tiger Sharks have blunt, wedge-like heads; Great Whites have pointed heads." "4. Body Shape: Tiger Sharks are sleeker; Great Whites are bulkier"

There are several easy ways to distinguish Tiger Sharks vs. Great Whites. Firstly, their skin. Tiger Sharks are greenish blue, with a light yellow or gray belly. White Sharks are dark gray on top, switching sharply to white underneath. Then there are the markings. Tigers get their name from the signature stripes on their backs. These fade as the fish grows, but you can always make them out.

The biggest difference between the two species is probably their heads. Tiger Sharks have a blunt, square head with eyes on the corners and large, flared nostrils. Great Whites have a smaller head compared to the rest of their body. They also have a short, pointed nose with their eyes and nostrils set back towards their mouth.

On top of all that, the two fish have a different overall body shape. Tiger Sharks are all tail. They have a long top tail fin that stretches out behind them and a sleek body that tapers back from the head. Great Whites have a much rounder body with a powerful, symmetrical tail and long pectoral (side) fins.

Tiger Shark and White Shark Behavior

A Great White Shark bursting out of the water with a sea lion in its mouth

There’s a very good reason why these fish are shaped so differently: They hunt in completely opposite ways. Great Whites are all about power and speed. Shock and awe. They lurk in the deep, then burst up, hitting their prey before it even sees them coming. They’re famous for jumping clean out of the water, sending their unfortunate meal flying through the air if they don’t catch it in their jaws.

Tiger Sharks are the ninjas of the reef. They hunt mainly at night, drifting slowly through shallow water with small, sleek movements. Their patterned body makes them impossible to spot as they approach their prey. Once they’re in range, they pounce. A flip of their tail rockets them forward, and they kill or incapacitate their prey with sharp, serrated teeth.

Tiger Shark vs. Great White: Who Would Win?

Two very special fish. Two very distinct ways of hunting. So you might be wondering, who would win in a battle of Tiger Shark vs. Great White? A Great White, every single time. Orca whales are pretty much the only things in the ocean that pose a threat to adult White Sharks. In fact, there’s only one animal that seeks out and hunts these incredible creatures, and sadly, that’s us.

Shark Week is almost over, but we’ve saved the best for last. Check back tomorrow for our grand finale! If you can’t wait that long, you can find the rest of our Shark Week Specials here.

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vbondjr

Jul 27, 2024

The difference between a great white and a tiger shark is simple. The great white shark is an evil beast. The harbinger of death to all things minus the orca. There is no reasoning with it, no tempting it with fish and then petting it as it swims past. While not to disrespect the fearsome tiger shark, it is a mild mannered fish in comparison to the cold, relentless murdersome terror that is the Great White. The Great White shark is not an animal. it is a soulless demon with black lifeless eyes. Even the sight of one can make nearly any living being feel the fear of death. The tiger shark is a predatory fish and like any predatory animal has power and speed to overtake anything it feels is prey. Like a tiger or a bear or anything normal. It is a beautiful animal that should be respected. The White shark is a demonic, satanic entity that should be avoided.

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reyhan

Feb 21, 2024

thanks a lot of information keren

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  • ajay

    Mar 27, 2024

    both tiger and great white can be friendly if handled with professional care. Rigorous training required for scuba diver to handle shark in most unfavourable situation.

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  • Lee

    Jun 13, 2024

    No shark is “friendly”. Their central nervous system isn’t developed enough for that emotion. They eat, poop, and make baby sharks. There is nothing else in their universe. I suppose some divers with much experience, and luck, can avoid triggering a feeding response sometimes, but sharks are individuals and what works with Shark A may not work with Shark B. A feeding frenzy starts when one aggressive shark bites first.
    The best way to “handle” a shark in “unfavorable situations” is to get away from them as quickly and calmly as possible, while trying not to resemble fleeing prey or something interesting. Do you know how a Tiger shark discerns whether or not something is edible? He eats it.
    I don’t wish to denigrate or disregard the experienced divers who deal with sharks regularly. I respect anyone who does a dangerous job successfully and with skill, but it IS a dangerous job. There is never a moment, when swimming with sharks, when there is no danger. Mistaking a shark’s current disinterest in eating you for some sort of affection or camaraderie is an express lane to being shark feces. Stay safe.

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Bruce

Jul 16, 2022

I saw a Great White once while bodysurfing at Bolinas. It was about 12–14 feet in length. Needless to say, everyone got out of the water very quickly!

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  • ajay

    Mar 27, 2024

    Avoid splashing the water if you notice the greatwhite or tiger shark approaching near to you. when you are swimming in ocean, try to slowdown your free style kick. This could result in better way of diverting the shark.

    you can gently touch the upper body portion of the shark to divert their way.

    if three or four surrounds you, then it would be difficult for you to survive.

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