Other names: Gray nurse shark, Spotted ragged-tooth shark , Blue-nurse sand tiger
The sand tiger shark, Carcharias taurus, is a large coastal shark found in warm and temperate waters worldwide. Known for its menacing appearance with protruding teeth, it is a slow-moving predator that typically hunts small fish and squid. Despite its intimidating look, it is generally not aggressive towards humans, making it a frequent subject of interest for divers and researchers.
Other names
Gray nurse shark, Spotted ragged-tooth shark , Blue-nurse sand tiger
Length
~220" (max 320)
Weight
~87" (max 159)
Water
Salt
Water Temp
12-20° F
Depth
--191 ft
Bluefish
MackerelAlways open
No
Prefers coastal areas, often near reefs, sandy bottoms, and shallow bays
Commonly found near the shore but can also inhabit deeper waters
Feeds primarily on small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods
Known to migrate seasonally, moving to warmer waters during colder months
Females give birth to live young after a long gestation period
Exhibits intrauterine cannibalism, where the strongest embryo consumes its siblings
Juveniles are born fully developed and are immediately independent
Adults often return to specific breeding grounds annually, with a strong preference for particular coastal areas
