Sand Tiger Shark
ExploreFish
Sand Tiger Shark
carcharias taurus
The Sand Tiger Shark is a unique-looking fish known for its long, slender body and toothy grin! These sharks can be found swimming gracefully through the ocean, making them a fascinating sight for underwater explorers.
Habitat: Coastal waters of the ocean, often near coral reefs and sandy bottoms.
Appearance
The Sand Tiger Shark has a bulky body and a pointed snout. It is brownish-grey with darker spots, a pale belly, and distinctive jagged teeth that protrude even when its mouth is closed, giving it a fierce look.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassElasmobranchiiOrderLamniformesFamilyOdontaspididaeGenusCarcharias
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Even with their scary teeth, Sand Tiger Sharks are generally not dangerous to people.
These sharks are famous for eating their siblings inside their mom's womb!
They can gulp air like a balloon to float perfectly still without moving their fins.
They can replace hundreds of their sharp, needle-like teeth throughout their life!
Special abilities
Ability
Buoyancy Master
Sand Tiger Sharks can gulp air into their stomachs that helps them hover perfectly still in the water, conserving energy.
Ability
Stealthy Night Hunter
Sand Tiger Sharks are skilled nocturnal predators that helps them surprise and catch unsuspecting prey at night.
Ability
Jagged Grasp
Sand Tiger Sharks have rows of long, pointed, needle-like teeth that help them firmly grasp slippery fish prey.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 250-320 cm
- Weight
- 95-160 kg
- Lifespan
- 15-30 years
- Swim Speed
- 8 km/h
- Maximum Depth
- 190 m
- Water Type
- Saltwater
Diet & Feeding
These sharks are carnivores, primarily eating fish and other small ocean creatures they hunt!
Age differences: Young sharks eat smaller prey like crabs and shrimp, while adults hunt larger fish and squid.
Primary Foods
- mackerel
- herring
- eels
- rays
- squid
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Atlantic Mackerel
Scomber scombrus
for quick, nutritious meals.
hunts
American Eel
Anguilla rostrata
in coastal seabed habitats.
hunts
Longfin Inshore Squid
Loligo pealeii
for a varied diet.
eaten by
Great White Shark
Carcharodon carcharias
when young and vulnerable.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
Grey Nurse SharkSand SharkSpotted Ragged Tooth Shark
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always observe marine life from a safe distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Sand Tiger Shark?
250-320 cm
How much does Sand Tiger Shark weigh?
95-160 kg
How long does Sand Tiger Shark live?
15-30 years
What does Sand Tiger Shark eat?
These sharks are carnivores, primarily eating fish and other small ocean creatures they hunt!
How fast can Sand Tiger Shark swim?
8 km/h
Where is Sand Tiger Shark usually found?
Coastal waters of the ocean, often near coral reefs and sandy bottoms.
How does Sand Tiger Shark hunt?
Ambush
How deep can Sand Tiger Shark go?
190 m
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Aquarium30 sightings16 species
Massachusetts, US
New England Aquarium
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Aquarium14 sightings12 species
Louisiana, US
Aquarium of the Americas
You might spot Aurelia Aurita, Sea Turtle, and African Penguin.
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Aquarium4 sightings4 species
Spain, ES
L'Oceanogràfic
You might spot Seal, Octopus, and Ant.
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