Meet the Sharks of Tampa

The first shark on our list of potential dive partners in the sharks of Tampa is the formidable Tiger Shark, a leading predator on Florida’s West Coast.

These large sharks are known for their distinctive tiger-like stripes, which fade as they mature. Tiger Sharks inhabit both coastal and open ocean waters, and are highly adaptable, being found near reefs, estuaries, and the deeper waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Tiger Sharks can reach lengths of up to 14 feet or more and are opportunistic feeders with a diverse diet that includes fish, sea turtles, birds, and even smaller sharks.

Their powerful jaws and serrated teeth allow them to consume a wide variety of prey, contributing to their reputation as “garbage eaters” of the sea.

These sharks play an important role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems by controlling the populations of other species and preventing overgrazing of seagrass beds.

Despite their fearsome reputation, they are not typically aggressive towards humans.

Our next shark species is the distinctive Hammerhead Shark. These fascinating sharks are common on the West Coast of Florida and are easily recognized by the unique hammer shape of their head.

With eyes on opposite ends of its head, the hammerhead’s vision can be limited. But what it doesn’t have in sight it makes up for it with a supercharged sense of smell that helps it root out prey on the flats and shallow waters on Florida’s Gulf Coast. 

Known to inhabit both shallow coastal waters and the deeper parts of the Gulf of Mexico, hammerhead sharks are known to migrate and meet in schooling events that can be absolutely awe-inspiring.

At certain times, hundreds of hammerhead sharks congregate in mass numbers which can be an unforgettable sight for shark divers and any nature lover.

With advanced sensory elements, hammerheads feed primarily on fish, squid, octopus, crabs, and other crustaceans. They also love to eat stingrays! This multi-faceted diet helps hammerheads control fish populations of their prey.

Next up on the list of potential dive partners here at Tampa Shark Diving is the Lemon Shark.

Recognized by their pale yellow-brown skin, these sharks make great hunters in Florida’s seagrasses as they blend into the background of the sandy seafloor.

Lemon sharks live in typical Florida coastal environments including coastal waters, reef systems, mangroves, and estuaries where they constantly search for small prey.

Lemon sharks can grow to an impressive 10 feet, although most adult species encountered are smaller. They prey mostly on smaller fish and crustaceans, making them an important ecological predator who helps curb the overpopulation of fish species.

The Lemon Shark has a relatively high tolerance for human interaction, which makes them a great shark species for encounters in the wild.

As with other places in the Caribbean and throughout Florida’s coasts, the next shark species we encounter is the common reef shark.

These vital predators are found on the reefs and coastal waters not just here on the West Coast of Florida, but also throughout the oceans of the world.

One of the most common species we encounter is the Carribean Reef Shark which is a frequent inhabitant of Florida’s vibrant reef ecosystems.

Reef sharks average from 5 to 10 feet in length and are a critical species for the overall health, regulation, and balance of marine ecosystems on Florida’s West Coast. Reef sharks primarily eat smaller fish, other smaller sharks and prey that live on and around coral reefs and rocky marine environments. 

Reef sharks can be quite curious and cautious when encountered by divers, which makes them a great species for any wild encounter. 

Silky Sharks are one of the most sleek predators in the ocean.

Found in the deeper waters of the Gulf of Mexico, these Florida Sharks are named for their smooth and silky skin and feature long and thin bodies that sport rounded fins. This makes them excellent open ocean swimmers and predators.

Silky Sharks can grow to be very large sharks, with larger Silky Sharks reaching up to 12 feet in length.

Silky Sharks feed on a diet that is more akin to a pelagic or open ocean diet of smaller fish, squid and other fish species that they hunt with precision in the deeper Gulf of Mexico. 

They can and do venture closer to land in some circumstances, and while we do not always encounter these sharks, they are amazing to see when we do! 

Another amazing shark species in the sharks of Tampa is the impressive and robust Dusky Shark.

These imposing sharks can reach up to 14 feet in length and are known for their dusky-greyish color which is amazing to see in person.

This versatile shark species can be found in a variety of native Florida marine ecosystems that include shallow coastal waters as well as deeper offshore regions.

Like many other sharks on this list of West Florida Sharks, Dusky Sharks prey on smaller fish, squid and crustaceans, which make them an important piece of the marine ecosystem and its balance in Florida’s waters.

As a slow-growing shark, the Dusky Shark has a particularly late maturity age that makes them especially vulnerable to overfishing. Conservation efforts for all sharks are particularly helpful for Dusky sharks so that they continue to thrive in Florida.