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Sand tiger shark

Carcharias taurus

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Fun Facts

Sand tiger sharks have been know to "gulp" air at the surface of the water, using the air in their stomach to help control buoyancy.

Species Type:

Sharks & Rays, Fishes

Common Name(s):

Sand tiger shark

Size:

Sand tiger sharks can grow up to 20 feet (6.1 meters) long, with an average length of 12 feet (3.7 meters). They can weigh up to 600 pounds (272.2 kilograms), but weigh around 240 pounds (108.9 kilograms)on average.

Diet:

The diet of the sand tiger shark is quite varied, and can include fish, rays, lobsters, crustaceans, squid, and even other small sharks.

Range & Habitat:

Sand tiger sharks can be found worldwide in subtropical to warm temperate waters, including the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast of the United States. They can be found from the surf zone all the way to the continental shelf. They are often found near underwater caves, gullies, and rocky reefs.

Details:

Sand tiger sharks have an intimidating appearance— they have multiple rows of long, razor like teeth that are visible even with their mouth closed. The lifespan of a sand tiger shark in human care can reach up to 40 years.