How to Identify a Sand Tiger Shark
Note the coloration., Observe the head structure and teeth., Look at the fins., Try to determine the size., Keep the habitat and range in mind., Observe its behavior.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Note the coloration.
Most sand tiger sharks have light brown or light greenish-gray backs and pale, grayish-white undersides.
Adults usually have rust-colored spots scattered on the body, chiefly on the hind part of the body. -
Step 2: Observe the head structure and teeth.
Sand tiger sharks have pointy heads with a flattened, conical snout and a long mouth that extends behind their eyes.
They frequently swim with their mouth open, displaying three rows of protruding, smooth-edged, sharp-pointed teeth.
Even when the mouth is shut, the teeth protrude in all directions, giving them a distinct menacing look.
Numerous small teeth are present in the corners of the mouth. , It is easy to confuse the sand tiger shark with the small-toothed sand tiger shark (Odontaspis ferox ) or, the less common, large-eyed sand tiger shark (Odontaspis noronhai ).
However, sand tiger sharks have a distinctive, asymmetrical caudal fin (tail fin) with a more pronounced, notched upper lobe.
In addition, the hind dorsal fin and the front dorsal fin of a sand tiger shark are almost equal in size.
These large, broad-based grey fins are set back beyond the pectoral fins.
Thus, the front dorsal is much closer to the pelvic fins than the pectoral fins.
A male sand tiger shark can also be recognized by the grey, white-tipped claspers which are located on the underside of the body. , The sand tiger is a large, bulky shark and this may be the first thing you notice.
The average size of a sand tiger shark ranges from four to nine feet.
The maximum length in males is about
9.9 feet (301 cm) while females can reach up to around
10.5 feet (320 cm). , Sand tiger sharks are so-called because they have a tendency towards sandy shoreline habitats and can often be spotted very close to the shore.
It has also been found that they like to linger socially beneath cliff overhangs or other similar structures.
Divers typically encounter sand tiger sharks in such environments.
The geographical range of sand tiger sharks is also quite well-documented.
They commonly inhabit the Atlantic, western Pacific and Indian Oceans, and the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas.
However, any spotting in the Caribbean waters, eastern Pacific or New Zealand is rare.
If you encounter a shark in these regions, it is probably not a sand tiger shark. , The sand tiger shark is the only shark known to come to the surface and gulp air, which it then stores in its stomach.
This enables the shark to become neutrally buoyant in the water column and hover motionless in the water.
It has also been observed that when close enough to the prey, sand tiger sharks grab with a quick, sideways snap.
They are nocturnal hunters and often hunt in groups when preying upon large shoals of fish.
Although they are strong swimmers, they generally appear lethargic and swim slowly. -
Step 3: Look at the fins.
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Step 4: Try to determine the size.
-
Step 5: Keep the habitat and range in mind.
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Step 6: Observe its behavior.
Detailed Guide
Most sand tiger sharks have light brown or light greenish-gray backs and pale, grayish-white undersides.
Adults usually have rust-colored spots scattered on the body, chiefly on the hind part of the body.
Sand tiger sharks have pointy heads with a flattened, conical snout and a long mouth that extends behind their eyes.
They frequently swim with their mouth open, displaying three rows of protruding, smooth-edged, sharp-pointed teeth.
Even when the mouth is shut, the teeth protrude in all directions, giving them a distinct menacing look.
Numerous small teeth are present in the corners of the mouth. , It is easy to confuse the sand tiger shark with the small-toothed sand tiger shark (Odontaspis ferox ) or, the less common, large-eyed sand tiger shark (Odontaspis noronhai ).
However, sand tiger sharks have a distinctive, asymmetrical caudal fin (tail fin) with a more pronounced, notched upper lobe.
In addition, the hind dorsal fin and the front dorsal fin of a sand tiger shark are almost equal in size.
These large, broad-based grey fins are set back beyond the pectoral fins.
Thus, the front dorsal is much closer to the pelvic fins than the pectoral fins.
A male sand tiger shark can also be recognized by the grey, white-tipped claspers which are located on the underside of the body. , The sand tiger is a large, bulky shark and this may be the first thing you notice.
The average size of a sand tiger shark ranges from four to nine feet.
The maximum length in males is about
9.9 feet (301 cm) while females can reach up to around
10.5 feet (320 cm). , Sand tiger sharks are so-called because they have a tendency towards sandy shoreline habitats and can often be spotted very close to the shore.
It has also been found that they like to linger socially beneath cliff overhangs or other similar structures.
Divers typically encounter sand tiger sharks in such environments.
The geographical range of sand tiger sharks is also quite well-documented.
They commonly inhabit the Atlantic, western Pacific and Indian Oceans, and the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas.
However, any spotting in the Caribbean waters, eastern Pacific or New Zealand is rare.
If you encounter a shark in these regions, it is probably not a sand tiger shark. , The sand tiger shark is the only shark known to come to the surface and gulp air, which it then stores in its stomach.
This enables the shark to become neutrally buoyant in the water column and hover motionless in the water.
It has also been observed that when close enough to the prey, sand tiger sharks grab with a quick, sideways snap.
They are nocturnal hunters and often hunt in groups when preying upon large shoals of fish.
Although they are strong swimmers, they generally appear lethargic and swim slowly.
About the Author
Lori Hughes
Enthusiastic about teaching cooking techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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