Species profile
Sand Tiger Shark
Carcharias taurus
At a glance
Sand Tiger Shark (Carcharias taurus) is an IUCN Critically Endangered shark or ray regulated in 5 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
Confirmed by 152 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with North Carolina, Maryland, and Massachusetts the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Listed under MSA — verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Notable details
- The only shark known to gulp air at the surface to achieve neutral buoyancy.
- Embryos practice intrauterine cannibalism, so only 2 pups survive to birth per litter.
- Despite its menacing, ragged-toothed appearance, it is generally docile and rarely attacks humans.
- Spike-like teeth are visible even when the mouth is completely closed.
- Can reach 10 feet in length and tolerates captivity well, making it common in large aquariums.
Where Sand Tiger Shark are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Sand Tiger Shark
Protected status
- Atlantic HMS prohibited — must release unharmed.
Always verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Background
The sand tiger shark, spotted ragged-tooth shark, or blue-nurse sand tiger, is a species of shark that inhabits subtropical and temperate waters worldwide. It inhabits the continental shelf, from sandy shorelines and submerged reefs to a depth of around 191 m (627 ft). They dwell in the waters of Japan, Australia, South Africa, and the east coasts of North and South America.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Sand Tiger Shark article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other sharks & rays on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.