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Sand Tiger Shark

Also known as

Ragged-tooth shark, Grey nurse shark

IUCN status

Vulnerable

About the Sand Tiger Shark

The Sand Tiger Shark is easily recognized by its strikingly slender, pointed teeth that protrude from its mouth even when closed, giving it a fierce appearance. Despite this, it is generally considered docile towards humans. Its body is robust, often brownish-grey on the back, fading to a lighter underside, and juveniles may display dark spots that fade with age. It possesses two large dorsal fins of similar size, set far back on its body, and a distinctive, elongated upper caudal fin lobe.

Source: FishBase & iNaturalist

Habitat

These sharks prefer shallow, coastal waters, often found near sandy shorelines, surf zones, bays, and estuaries. They are frequently associated with rocky reefs, shipwrecks, and submerged structures where prey congregates. During the day, they are often seen resting near the bottom or in caves.

Distribution

Sand Tiger Sharks are widely distributed in temperate and tropical waters across the Atlantic, Indian, and Western Pacific Oceans. They are commonly found along the East Coasts of North and South America, parts of Africa, and Australia.

Behaviour

Primarily nocturnal hunters, Sand Tiger Sharks cruise slowly along the bottom, preying on bony fish, skates, small sharks, and crustaceans. They are unique among sharks for their ability to gulp air at the surface and store it in their stomachs, allowing them to maintain neutral buoyancy and hover almost motionless in the water column. They undertake seasonal migrations, moving to warmer waters in winter and cooler waters in summer.

Edibility

★★★★★

While occasionally consumed, the flesh of the Sand Tiger Shark is generally considered fair to poor. It can have a strong, ammoniated taste due to urea content if not properly bled and handled immediately after capture.

Lure suggestion

Targeting Sand Tiger Sharks typically involves bottom fishing with large, fresh cut bait such as mackerel, bunker, or mullet, or using live bait like smaller fish or squid. Heavy-duty conventional tackle, strong monofilament or fluorocarbon leaders, and large circle hooks (8/0 or larger) are essential to safely land these powerful sharks. Fish in their preferred coastal habitats, especially around structure or at night.