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Ocean Voyager

Sand tiger shark

Sand tiger shark

(Carcharias taurus)

The sand tiger shark is an Indo-West Pacific species found from the Red Sea and East Africa to Japan and Australia. It is absent from the eastern Pacific, but does occur in the Atlantic. It prefers inshore areas to depths of about 625 feet. This shark has a menacing appearance because it displays a mouthful of sharp teeth that protrude in all directions. Adults can reach ten feet in length. For these reasons, the sand tiger is a popular species for display in public aquariums. However, it a very docile and non-aggressive species.

Check out the sand tiger sharks and their teeth in the Ocean Voyager gallery, built by The Home Depot.

Fun Facts

  • The sand tiger shark has the ability to swallow air in order to regulate its buoyancy.
  • It can remain motionless in the water to await the approach of prey. It is the only shark that can do this.
  • The sand tiger has one of the lowest reproductive rates among all sharks.
  • Females give birth to only one or two pups every two years.
  • This species is caught for human consumption in some parts of the world.
  • Download full fact sheet

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