Biology: Sand Tiger Shark

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Sand tiger shark: upper body.

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The Sand Tiger Shark is a grayish-brown colored shark with a white underside. They are called Sand Tiger Sharks because or their coastal habitat near the shore. Despite their mean look the only attack humans if provoked.

They grow to 2 - 3.2 (6.5 - 10.5) and live 15 years or more. Sand Tiger Sharks are known to gulp air from the surface. They store the air in their stomachs, which allows them to float motionless in the water, seeking prey. They are voracious predators, feeding at night and generally staying close to the bottom. Their staple is small fish, but they will eat crustaceans and squid as well. They occasionally hunt in groups, and have even been known to attack full fishing nets.

Although this species is widespread and is not widely fished for food, it has one of the lowest reproduction rates of all sharks and is susceptible to even minimal population pressure. For this reason, it is listed as vulnerable and is protected in much of its range.

Sources: National Geographic Image: Wikipedia