Sand Tiger Shark (Carcharius taurus)
Sand Tiger Shark
Key Information
The sand tiger shark was identified as a Candidate Species on July 14, 1997 (62 FR 37560) and transferred to the Species of Concern list April 15, 2004 (69 FR 19975).
Brief Species Description
The sand tiger shark is characterized by two dorsal fins of similar size (base of first dorsal just in front of the pelvic fin); a short, asymmetric caudal fin with a pronounced subterminal notch and short, strong ventral lobe; five medium gill slits in front of the pectoral fin; no gill rakers; a very short snout; and small eyes without nicitating membranes. They are light brown in color, with a white ventral side with yellowish blotches. Their maximum length is ~10.4 ft (3.2 m). Their global distribution is all warm and temperate seas with the exception of the eastern Pacific. They are a Species of Concern in the western Atlantic. For more information, please see the species fact sheet below.
Status Review
An Update on the Status review of the Sand Tiger Shark – 2009 NOAA Technical Memorandum
Area of Concern / SOC Range
Western Atlantic – South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean
Sand Tiger Shark SOC Range Map
Species Fact Sheet
Supplemental Information
Delaware Bay Shark Tracker
Conservation Designations
