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

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 (71–430 cm LT), 79 males (72–351 cm 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.