Sand tiger sharks
Sand tiger shark
Carcharias taurus
A large, slow-moving coastal shark with a mouthful of narrow teeth that remain visible even when its mouth is closed.
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Every figure uses the same scale. The shark image is shown at the species’ published maximum length; individual animals vary.
Surf zones, shallow bays, rocky and coral reefs, and the outer continental shelf.
Warm seas worldwide except the eastern Pacific; in the western Atlantic from the Gulf of Maine to Argentina.
About 6–626 ft
Bony fish, rays, squid, crabs, lobsters, and smaller sharks.
Flattened conical snout, long exposed teeth, brownish body with occasional spots, and two similarly sized dorsal fins.
Usually produces two pups after the largest embryo in each uterus consumes other eggs and embryos.
Species facts
Did you know?
It gulps air at the surface and holds it in its stomach to hover with little effort.
Its fierce-looking teeth are adapted for gripping slippery prey.