Animals A-Z

Type of animal: Fish (Marine)
Habitat: Coastal waters, rocky reefs, and sandy bottoms at depths ranging from 10 to 200 metres. They are found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, including the east coast of North and South America, South Africa, Australia, and Japan.
Diet: Carnivores, primarily feeding on bony fish, small sharks, rays, crustaceans, and squid.
Size: Typically grow to 2.2 to 3.2 metres (7 to 10.5 feet) long and weigh between 90 to 160 kg (200 to 350 pounds).
Lifespan: 15 to 30 years in the wild.

• Unique Buoyancy Control: Unlike most sharks, sand tiger sharks gulp air and store it in their stomachs, allowing them to hover motionless in the water. This unique buoyancy adaptation helps them conserve energy while they silently stalk their prey—a crucial advantage in their hunting strategy.
• Population Decline: Sand tiger sharks are critically endangered in some regions, including the western North Atlantic, due to overfishing, bycatch, and habitat loss. Their slow reproductive rate complicates recovery efforts, as females only give birth to one or two pups every two years. Strong conservation efforts are essential to halt further population decline.
• Sibling Rivalry: Sand tiger sharks exhibit a rare behaviour called intrauterine cannibalism, where the first shark embryo to develop eats its siblings in the womb. This ensures that the strongest pup survives, but it also limits the number of offspring, contributing to the species’ slow population growth.
• Fearsome Yet Docile: Despite their sharp teeth and intimidating looks, sand tiger sharks are surprisingly docile and rarely pose a threat to humans. Their calm nature has made them a favourite in aquariums, where their imposing presence can be admired up close.