The sand tiger shark, also known as the grey nurse shark or the spotted ragged-tooth shark, is a species of shark belonging to the family Odontaspididae. It is a large, ferocious-looking shark characterized by its bulky, stout body and large mouth filled with long, sharp teeth.
Growing up to approximately 10 feet long, the sand tiger shark is found in coastal waters and continental shelves of temperate and subtropical regions worldwide, excluding the eastern Pacific Ocean. It typically inhabits sandy or rocky areas, where it can often be observed near the sea floor or around shipwrecks. Despite its fierce appearance, the sand tiger shark is generally not considered dangerous to humans unless provoked.
The name "sand tiger shark" stems from its preference for sandy habitats and its unique hunting strategy. This species tends to hover or swim slowly near the ocean floor, burying itself in the sand partially or completely. By doing so, it camouflages itself and waits for unsuspecting prey to pass by. Its diet primarily consists of smaller fish, rays, crustaceans, and squids.
The sand tiger shark possesses several intriguing traits, such as its ability to gulp and store air in its stomach to regulate buoyancy, allowing it to hover motionless in the water. Another notable characteristic is that female sand tiger sharks have two uteri, the result of a reproductive strategy known as "intrauterine cannibalism." During gestation, the strongest embryo in each uterus consumes its siblings, ensuring only one pup from each uterus survives.
Due to its size, unique appearance, and distinct hunting behavior, the sand tiger shark is a fascinating and sought-after subject of study for researchers and a popular attraction in public aquariums worldwide.
