Sandtiger Shark

Eugomphodus taurus

Phylum

Chordata

 Sandtiger Shark

Class

Chondrichthyes

Order

Lamniformes

Family

Odontaspididae

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common names :

Sandtiger shark, Grey nurse shark, Ragged-tooth shark,

Spotted ragged-tooth shark, Sand shark.
Diet : Small to large fish, small sharks, rays, squid and crustaceans.
Reproduction : Ovoviviparous : Females have two pregnancy chambers where the first to hatch will cannibalize the other eggs. The surviving two embryos gestate for 9 months and are born approximately 1 metre in length.
Size : Maximum 3.2 metres  Average female 2.6 metres Average male 2.4 metres

 

Distribution of Sandtiger Shark Distribution : Western and Eastern Atlantic, Mediterranean, Western Indian ocean and Indo-Pacific ocean. Coastal to offshore waters, often found in large groups near rocky coral reefs. Will often enter shallow  bays. Has been found at depths of 200 metres

 

Danger to man : Has a feared reputation in certain areas and considered harmless in others. Most attacks attributed to this shark are almost certainly a case of mistaken identity. There is no doubt that it's size makes it potentially dangerous, but unless it is extremely provoked, it can be considered safe.
Economic Importance : Sometimes fished commercially, but now more commonly targeted for diving trips. It is a popular aquarium species that does well in captivity, but looks fearsome enough to please the crowds.
Other Comments : The common name of this shark depends on the part of the world you are in. In Australia it is always known as the Grey Nurse shark, in South Africa, the Ragged-tooth shark and in North America, Europe and New Zealand, the Sandtiger shark. This points to the importance of a single scientific name for each individual species. The Sandtiger  is denser than water and so it swallows air, retaining it in it's stomach to achieve a neutral buoyancy.