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Sand Tiger Shark

The sand tiger shark is known for a rather unique behavior — gulping air! This species swims to the surface and takes a gulp of air to control their buoyancy, allowing them to hover motionlessly in the water column.

 

Despite their protruding teeth giving them a menacing appearance, sand tigers have a reputation for being slow-moving, and not aggressive. They can measure up to 3.2 meters (10.5 feet) and can be identified by their distinctive cone-shaped snout and bulky, light brown body with dark spots and a light-colored underside. 

These sharks can be found along the coast throughout most of the world’s temperate and tropical regions, except for the Eastern Pacific. As a result of their global dispersion, they are referred to by variety of common names, such as grey nurse shark and spotted raggedtooth shark. Sand tiger sharks are not picky eaters – they feed on a variety of fish, rays, eels, crab, squid, and even small sharks!

 

 

The primary threats to the sand tiger shark are overfishing, climate change, and habitat loss — which have led to it being considered critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.  

Overfishing 

Sand tiger sharks are captured as a target species and bycatch, retained for its meat and fins. Their numbers have sharply decreased over the years due to a lack of fishery management around the world.

Habitat loss 

This species’ preference for shallow coastal waters means it is also threatened by extensive habitat degradation — including pollution, clearing, and destructive fishing practices.

 

 

Proper management of fisheries and increased transparency at sea would allow sand tiger sharks to recover from intense fishing pressure. Additionally, reducing human activity that destroys marine habitats will enable these sharks to have a chance at bouncing back from being critically endangered. The sand tiger shark is one of many of species Oceana is working to protect by reducing overfishing and safeguard vital ocean habitats globally.  

 

 

 

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