Introduction
For divers, few experiences are as thrilling as coming face-to-face with a shark in its natural habitat. Each species has its own unique traits — from the bold bull shark to the graceful hammerhead. To help you better understand these incredible animals, we’ve put together a complete library of shark species profiles.
Here you’ll find information about their behavior, habitats, conservation status, and diver encounters, all based on both science and firsthand experience from years of diving at Tiger Beach and beyond. Use this guide as your gateway to deeper knowledge, with each profile linking out to detailed posts on individual species.
Shark Species Covered
Lemon Sharks: Habitat, Behavior & Diving Encounters
Lemon Sharks: Habitat, Behavior & Diving Encounters Lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) are one of the…
Caribbean Reef Sharks: Habitat, Behavior & Diving Encounters
Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) are a familiar presence in the waters around Tiger Beach…
Bull Sharks: Behavior, Habitat, and Diving
Few sharks spark as much fascination — and debate — as the bull shark. Known…
Hammerhead Shark Evolution
The early ancestors of sharks first arrived on the scene over 450 million years ago,…
Southern Stingray: Grand Bahama Island
Visiting the West End of Grand Bahama Island? Check out this great little spot where…
Nurse Sharks – a bottom dweller
Description Nurse shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum, from the Ginglymostomatidae family. Its body is yellow-brown to gray-brown,…
Silky Sharks – Pack Animals
Description Silky shark, Carcharhinus falciformis, is a species of requiem shark named for the smooth…
Great Hammerhead Shark
Description The great hammerhead shark, Sphyrna mokarran, is the largest species of hammerhead shark. These…
Tiger Sharks: Perfect Scavengers
Background The tiger shark, Galeocerdo cuvier, is a member of the order Carcharhiniformes, characterized by…
Oceanic Whitetip Shark – Lord of the Longhands
Description The oceanic whitetip shark, Carcharhinus longimanus, is a pelagic shark, roaming the open ocean.…
More Species Profiles Coming Soon!
Why These Profiles Matter
Understanding shark behavior helps divers:
- Recognize natural patterns (feeding, resting, social).
- Identify species quickly and accurately.
- Appreciate the diversity of shark life across reefs, coasts, and open oceans.
- Contribute to conservation awareness by learning which species are threatened or endangered.
By linking each profile together, this page also serves as a navigation hub for your shark knowledge base, making it easy for both divers and search engines to explore your content.
FAQs About Shark Species
Bahamas is home to over 40 species of sharks. Tiger Beach and surrounding waters are home to tiger sharks, lemon sharks, reef sharks, nurse sharks, and occasionally, great hammerhead and bull sharks. Off Cat Island, you can find silky and oceanic whitetip sharks, in addition to the more common coastal sharks.
No. While some sharks are larger and more curious, most are not a threat to divers if treated with respect. Understanding behavior through these profiles helps ensure safe encounters.
Scientists have identified more than 500 species of sharks, ranging from small deep-sea dogfish to the massive whale shark.
Shark Gallery
This Shark Species Profiles hub brings together the most fascinating species you’re likely to encounter while diving in the Bahamas and beyond. Each profile links to a detailed guide where you can learn about habitats, conservation challenges, and what it’s like to dive with these incredible animals.
Whether you’re preparing for your first shark dive or deepening your knowledge as an experienced diver, this guide will be your go-to resource.
