Age and growth of the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier off the east coast of Australia

Abstract

Total lengths (LT) at age and growth rates for south-west Pacific Galeocerdo cuvier were estimated from vertebral growth-band counts of 202 sagitally sectioned centra from 112 females (71-430cm LT), 79 males (72-351cm LT) and 11 of unknown sex. Captive growth data were also examined to complement vertebral age estimations. The sexes combined modelled growth coefficient (k=0·08) was smaller than previously reported for G. cuvier populations elsewhere. Split-band and narrow banding patterns were identified as potential sources of age underestimation in this species.