Sand Tiger Shark

Carcharias taurus

Sand Tiger Sharks have sleek, grey backs, dirty white undersides, and brown or reddish spots on their sides. These sharks can reach an impressive length of 5.5 m, though most average around 3.6 m.

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Animal Type

Cartilaginous fish

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Range

Circumtropical; except Eastern Pacific

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Natural Habitat

Coastal Waters

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Diet

Fish, cephalopods, crustaceans

Conservation Status

Not Evaluated
  • NE
    Not Evaluated
  • DD
    Data Deficient
  • LC
    Least Concern
  • NT
    Near Threatened
  • VU
    Vulnerable
  • EN
    Endangered
  • CR
    Critically Endangered
  • EW
    Extinct in the Wild
  • EX
    Extinct
Extinct
CR
Critically Endangered

At extremely high risk of extinction

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Characteristics

Sand Tiger Sharks sport a ferocious look thanks to the rows of large, pointed teeth that remain visible when their jaws are shut. Their movement, however, is relatively slow and they are the only shark species known to gulp and store air inside their stomachs to maintain a neutral buoyancy while swimming.

Feeding behaviour

Sand Tiger Sharks are nocturnal hunters with a surprising strategy—they sometimes work together to catch prey. By grouping up, they herd fish into small groups, making it easier for each shark to strike and feed.

Threats faced/Conservation

Sand Tiger Sharks have one of the lowest reproduction rates of all shark species, making even the smallest threat a danger to the population too. They face fishing pressure across their range, targeted as both catch and bycatch. Their preference for inshore habitats also puts them at risk from coastal habitat loss and degradation.