Sandtiger Shark

Carcharias taurus / Odontaspis taurus
Large, bulky shark with pointed teeth that are often visible even when mouth is closed (gives scary look). Colour is grey-brown above with lighter underside, sometimes with reddish-brown spots. Usually about 2.2-3.2 m in length. Relatively slow swimmer; often seen hovering.
Often near sandy bottoms, submerged reefs, wrecks; tends to hover motionless; not aggressive to divers. Feeds on fishes, crustaceans, squid. Slow reproduction, small litter (low replacement rate).

Where divers may encounter it
Wrecks, caves, reef ledges, sandy bottoms; temperate subtropical dive sites. More common in certain coastal areas where fishing pressure is lower or in protected zones.

Diving tips
You may spot them resting on sandy ground or in caves. Approach quietly; light exposure sudden light changes can startle them. Use red-light or low light in caves. They pose little threat if unprovoked.

IUCN: Critically Endangered. Population declining.

Did you know?

The sand tiger shark can gulp air at surface to maintain neutral buoyancy, letting it hover in water with little effort. Also, as mentioned, embryos may consume their siblings before birth.

Explore Similar species

Read more about Sharks

Spread the word