The estimated age at first maturity is five years for males and seven years for females. Elasmobranch age and growth, growth in captivity validation, Dasyatis sp. The reproductive biology of the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier has never been fully documented. Additional data from 11 females and 4 males were obtained from 1993-1994. The smallest mature male was 292 cm TL and the largest immature was 323 cm TL, based on calcification of the claspers.
Tiger sharks are aplacental and have a compartmentalized uterus with presumed matrotrophy.
Embryonic uterine development starts almost immediately and gestation lasts 15-16 months. Pups are typically born at 80-90 cm TL in September and October. The male reproductive cycle is unknown but may be annual. Division of Natural Sciences, New College of the Univ. TN GnRH-ir was similar in all stages with the exception that diffuse fibers in the telencephalon, thought to be of TN origin, were scarce in younger stages.