Sandtiger Shark
The Sand Tiger Shark (also known as a Grey Nurse) is one of Kelly Tarlton’s flagship species.
Sandtiger Shark
Highly endangered in the wild, this magnificent shark was once hunted ruthlessly under the false impression that it was a potential man-eater because of its large size and mouthful of protruding, snarly-looking teeth. On close examination, however, these teeth are perfectly adapted for holding onto slippery fish, its main prey.
The Sand Tiger Shark is so named for its tendency towards
shoreline habitats; they are often seen trolling the ocean floor in
the surf zone close to shore. Sand Tigers are denser than
water and tend to sink if they stop swimming. Based on current
knowledge, the Sand Tiger shark is the only shark species which
swims to the water's surface and swallows air in order to regulate
its buoyancy, enabling the animal to move around and remain at any
desired depth.
Maximum Length: 3.1metres
Colour: Light brown in colour, with bronze- coloured backs, a
white abdomen and very often red spots on its flanks.
Captive Diet: Mullet, squid
Unique Trait: The ragged looking teeth give the Sand Tiger shark a
distinct menacing look
Habitat: Sand Tiger sharks can be found in most warm seas
throughout the world except for the eastern Pacific. This includes
tropical and temperate parts of the North and South Atlantic,
Indian, and western Pacific Oceans. Recorded from all parts of
Australia, except Tasmania and rare in the Northern Territory.