How to Identify Sand Tiger Shark

To identify Sand Tiger Shark (Carcharias taurus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Grey to grey-brown dorsally, lighter (whitish) ventrally. Juveniles and some adults may exhibit reddish-brown spots on the flanks, which tend to fade with age.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Two large, almost equally sized dorsal fins, with the first dorsal fin positioned well back, closer to the pelvic fins than the pectoral fins., A flattened, conical snout., Small eyes., Long, slender, awl-shaped teeth that protrude from the mouth even when closed., A distinct upper lobe on the caudal fin, but not as pronounced as in some other shark species.

Dorsal fin

Two large, similarly sized dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin originates behind the pectoral fin axil, closer to the pelvic fins than the pectoral fins. The second dorsal fin is similar in size to the first.

Tail fin

Asymmetrical, with a distinct upper lobe and a smaller, but present, lower lobe.

Pectoral fin

Moderately large and triangular.

Distinctive fins

The two large, nearly equal-sized dorsal fins are a key distinguishing feature, setting it apart from many other shark species that have a much larger first dorsal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Teeth

   Long, slender, awl-shaped teeth that are visible even when the mouth is closed. These teeth are adapted for grasping slippery prey.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fins

   Two large, almost equally sized dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin is positioned relatively far back on the body, closer to the pelvic fins than the pectoral fins.

3. 3

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Robust, torpedo-shaped body, grey to grey-brown with a lighter underside. Juveniles and some adults may have dark spots on their flanks.

4. 4

   Snout

   A pointed, conical snout.

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