Fauna
Fish · GBIF taxon 2420766

Sand Tiger Shark

Carcharias taurus

Also known as Grey Nurse Shark, Spotted Ragged-Tooth Shark, Blue-Nurse Sand Tiger

Sand tiger sharks possess a striking appearance with rows of needle-sharp teeth protruding from prominent jaws, giving them a fierce look despite their docile nature around divers. Unique among sharks, they gulp air at the surface and store it in their stomach to achieve neutral buoyancy while silently patrolling reefs and shipwrecks. Embryos participate in intrauterine cannibalism, where the largest embryo consumes its siblings inside the womb before birth.

PredatorMarine
Sand Tiger Shark reference1 / 7
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Critically EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXCritically EndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Bony Fish
  • Squid
  • Rays
Predators
  • Great White Shark
  • Tiger Shark
ThreatsBycatch, commercial fishing, low reproductive rate, coastal habitat degradation
HabitatsSubtropical and temperate coastal waters, submerged reefs, continental shelves
Life span15–40 years
Classification
  1. OrderLamniformes
  2. FamilyOdontaspididae
  3. GenusCarcharias
  4. SpeciesCarcharias taurus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Generally docile toward divers, but capable of a defensive bite if cornered or provoked; keep a safe distance.
Why it is dangerous
Possesses large, needle-sharp teeth and powerful jaws capable of inflicting severe lacerations if cornered or harassed.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Identified by a stout brownish-grey body, dark reddish spots, a flattened snout, and visible protruding teeth.
What to do
Maintain a respectful distance while diving, avoid blocking escape routes, and never attempt to feed or grab them.
What to notice
Look for dark spots along the posterior body, equal-sized dorsal fins, and prominent needle-like teeth.
Support conservation
Keep diving group sizes small around sensitive aggregation reefs and support local marine protected area regulations.
Responsible observation
  • Observe quietly: Move calmly and predictably in the water to avoid startling or crowding them.
  • Maintain distance: Give these large predators plenty of space, especially near reefs or shipwreck sites.
  • Avoid feeding: Never offer bait or attempt to handle wild sharks, which disrupts natural behaviors.
Related species
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