Sand Tiger Shark Size report

Sand Tiger Shark (scientific name: Carcharias taurus) is a large shark in coastal waters. Sand tiger sharks are ferocious predators in the ocean kingdom, with powerful swimming abilities and sharp teeth that can instantly pierce prey. However, they are usually quiet and swim slowly. They are not aggressive towards humans unless provoked or threatened.

Sand Tiger Sharks usually inhabit near the bottom but swim in the middle or surface. Sand tiger sharks are unique because they are the only species capable of swallowing air. Since sharks do not have a swim bladder, they must constantly move to keep from sinking. Sand tiger sharks store swallowed air in their stomachs, allowing them to stay afloat in water.

Sand Tiger Sharks are ferocious and often hunt fish in groups; they mainly feed on bony fishes, small sharks, rays, squid, crabs, or lobsters. This species is found in all warm oceans except the eastern Pacific. Here you can learn more about the Sand Tiger Shark in the tiger shark family.

Sand Tiger Shark Size and Appearance

Sand Tiger Shark is a shark species with brown-gray skin and rust-colored spots on its back and white underside. The large mouth is always open, revealing teeth that protrude and are sharp like nails. The teeth of the cone-toothed shark are not sharp triangular; its front teeth are elongated and sharp, and used to bite the prey, while the back teeth are good for clenching and crushing the prey. Compared with other sharks, Sand Tiger Sharks have an innate hunting ability, which seems to benefit from their extensive experience in the mother's body.

Average Size of Sand Tiger Shark

Sand Tiger Shark is a large species, growing to a maximum length of 3.2 meters. Newborn baby sharks are about 95-105 cm. The adults have an average size between 2.1 and 3.2 meters and an overall weight in the 91-182 kg range. The typical lifespan of the Sand Tiger Shark is between 10-15 years.

Living Habits and Status

Sand Tiger Sharks are large bottom-dwelling sharks that inhabit coastal waters from shallow surf areas to depths of about 200 meters in warm-temperate. Like many sharks, Sand Tiger Sharks are solitary but will gather in small groups for feeding, mating, and birth. Sand Tiger Sharks give birth to about two pups every two years, only one in each uterus. They have one of the lowest reproductive rates among shark species, as the best-developed embryos in the womb eat other eggs for adequate nutrition and rapid growth before birth.

For nearly three decades, the dramatic loss of their coastal habitat, overfishing, and the extremely low reproductive rate of sand tiger sharks has led to the species being listed as endangered. It is foreseeable that if the shark fin trade and overfishing are not ended, the sand tiger shark may become extinct soon.

Final Words

Sand Tiger Sharks may have the hideous appearance of all sharks, as they have a jagged row of sharp teeth that protrude in all directions even when their mouths are closed. However, do not be confused with their close cousins, tiger sharks; Sand tiger sharks are generally very calm and peaceful with humans. Due to their calm demeanor, diving with sand tiger sharks is a common and enjoyable experience. However, as with any species, you should always be careful and respectful when diving with sand tiger sharks.