Tiger sharks have earned a formidable reputation as bold and curious predators with the unique ability to be omnivorous. As I swam alongside this large female, however, she remained calm and quietly inquisitive — hardly the ruthless villain her species is made out to be. While there is no denying their status at the top of the food chain, the tiger sharks we know today have coexisted with their fellow wildlife for millions of years. They have served a vital role in the ocean long before humans ever cast the first net in its waters and remain integral to the balance of life below the surface.