The sand tiger shark, Carcharias taurus, is a large, bulky coastal species found in temperate and subtropical waters worldwide. Despite its name, it is not closely related to the true tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) and is also known as the gray nurse shark or spotted raggedtooth shark. This shark has a distinct appearance due to its rows of sharp, protruding teeth, which often leads to confusion with more aggressive species. However, the sand tiger shark is generally slow-moving and docile, rarely posing a threat to humans.
Dimensions of the Sand Tiger Shark
The sand tiger shark is a substantial animal. Most adults commonly reach a length between 2.2 and 2.5 meters (7.2 to 8.2 feet). The typical adult length range is 2 to 3.2 meters (6.5 to 10.5 feet), which is also the maximum reliable recorded length for the species.
Adult sand tiger sharks typically weigh between 91 and 160 kilograms (201 to 350 pounds). The maximum recorded weight for the species is around 350 pounds. Sexual dimorphism is present, resulting in a noticeable size difference between males and females.
Females are generally larger than males, a common trait among sharks. Adult males typically range from 2.2 to 2.6 meters (7.2 to 8.5 feet). Mature females can range from 2.3 to 3.0 meters (7.5 to 9.8 feet), meaning the largest individuals are almost always female.
Unique Physical Characteristics
The most recognizable feature of the sand tiger shark is its mouth, filled with multiple rows of long, slender, needle-like teeth. These teeth protrude distinctly even when the mouth is closed, contributing to its snaggle-toothed appearance. Unlike the triangular, serrated teeth of other large sharks, the sand tiger’s teeth are smooth-edged and designed for impaling and grasping slippery fish.
The body is stout and bulky, with a bronze to gray coloration on the dorsal surface and a paler, white underside. This color pattern, known as countershading, helps camouflage the shark in the water column. Many individuals, particularly younger ones, also feature scattered reddish or dark brown spots and blotches on the rear portion of the body.
The sand tiger shark possesses a pointed, conical snout and a long mouth that extends slightly behind its small eyes. It has two large dorsal fins that are similar in size, a distinguishing trait among sharks. The caudal (tail) fin is strongly asymmetrical, with the upper lobe being significantly longer than the lower lobe.
Habitat and Temperament
Sand tiger sharks are widely distributed in warm temperate and subtropical coastal waters globally, excluding the eastern Pacific Ocean. They prefer shallow environments, often found near shore in sandy areas, surf zones, shallow bays, and estuaries. They typically spend time near the ocean floor but have been observed at depths up to about 190 meters (625 feet).
A unique behavioral adaptation is their ability to gulp air at the surface and store it in their stomach, achieving neutral buoyancy. This enables them to hover almost motionless in the water column with minimal effort, a behavior rare among shark species.
Despite their intimidating appearance and visible sharp teeth, the sand tiger shark is generally placid and slow-moving. Attacks on humans are exceedingly rare, and none have been confirmed to be fatal. Incidents usually occur when the shark is provoked, such as during spearfishing activities. Their temperament is non-aggressive, contrasting sharply with their look.