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Size
Sand tiger sharks range in length from 6.5 to 10.5 feet (2.0-3.2 m) and may weigh 200 to 350 lbs. (91-159 kg). -
Diet
Sand tiger sharks' diet consists of bony fishes, smaller sharks, rays, squid, crabs and lobsters. -
Range
Sand tiger sharks are found in shoreline habitats to depths of about 625 feet (190 m). -
Habitat
Sand tiger sharks occur in the Western Atlantic from Canada and the Gulf of Maine to Argentina and in the Eastern Atlantic from the Mediterranean to Cameroon
Physical Characteristics
- Brownish-gray with rust-colored spots on the back and white underneath.
- Spots fade as the animal matures.
- Displays a mouthful of sharp teeth that protrude in all directions, even when the mouth is closed. Despite its menacing appearance, it is a docile and non-aggressive species.
- Narrow, flattened, cone-shaped snout and very small eyes.
- Ranges in length from 6.5 to 10.5 feet (2.0-3.2 m) and may weigh 200 to 350 lbs. (91-159 kg).
Animal Fact
A sand tiger shark's spots fade as the animal matures.
Diet / Feeding
- Diet consists of bony fishes, smaller sharks, rays, squid, crabs and lobsters.
Range / Habitat
- Occurs in the Western Atlantic from Canada and the Gulf of Maine to Argentina and in the Eastern Atlantic from the Mediterranean to Cameroon. In the Indo-West Pacific from the Red Sea and the South African coast east to Japan, Korea and Australia. Absent from the Eastern Pacific.
- Found in shoreline habitats to depths of about 625 feet (190 m).
Reproduction & Growth
- Lowest reproductive rate among sharks, giving birth every two years to one or two pups after a gestation period of 9 to 12 months.
- This shark is ovoviviparous. The embryos initially are nourished by the yolk in their egg and later consume slower-developing embryos while still in their mother’s uterus.
- Sand tiger shark pups are three feet long at birth.
Sources
www.marinebio.com
www.animals.nationalgeographic.com
www.aqua.org/animals-sandtigershark
Additional Information
- Only shark species that swims to the surface and swallows air in order to regulate its buoyancy. This enables it to remain motionless at any depth while seeking prey.
Sources
- http://www.oregonzoo.org
- http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/ReptilesAmphibians
- http://www.oaklandzoo.org
- http://animalsdiveristy.ummz.edu