Sand Tiger Shark
(Caracharias taurus)
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Katie Einig and Kayla Hoopes
Katie Einig and Kayla Hoopes
Introduction
Introduction
The sand tiger shark is a slow moving shark that roams our oceans worldwide. A fun fact about sand tiger sharks is they are actually closely related to great white sharks although they are very different in behaviors, size, and physical appearance. The sand tiger shark is known for its brown color with its darker rustier spots and a white belly or underside. These sharks have pointed narrow heads with a wider body and are primarily distinguished by its 2 dorsal fins and sharp pointed teeth. The sand tiger shark is a docile shark and has little to no human encounters as it tends to stay further off the coast preying on fish near shipwrecks or continental shelves. These sharks tend to be about 6-11 feet, weighing between 200-350lbs., and have a life expectancy between 10-15 years on average. The sand tiger shark is currently listed as threatened and is nearing endangered but luckily there are many ways to help!
The sand tiger shark is a slow moving shark that roams our oceans worldwide. A fun fact about sand tiger sharks is they are actually closely related to great white sharks although they are very different in behaviors, size, and physical appearance. The sand tiger shark is known for its brown color with its darker rustier spots and a white belly or underside. These sharks have pointed narrow heads with a wider body and are primarily distinguished by its 2 dorsal fins and sharp pointed teeth. The sand tiger shark is a docile shark and has little to no human encounters as it tends to stay further off the coast preying on fish near shipwrecks or continental shelves. These sharks tend to be about 6-11 feet, weighing between 200-350lbs., and have a life expectancy between 10-15 years on average. The sand tiger shark is currently listed as threatened and is nearing endangered but luckily there are many ways to help!
Photo by: Tanya Houppermans
Photo by: Olympus Dive Center
Photo by: Olympus Dive Center
Taxonomy of Sand Tiger Shark
Taxonomy of Sand Tiger Shark
Kingdom - Animalia
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Phylum - Chordata
Class- Chondrichthyes
Class- Chondrichthyes
Order - Lamniformes
Order - Lamniformes
Family - Odontaspididae
Family - Odontaspididae
Genus- Caracharias
Genus- Caracharias
Species - Caracharias taurus
Species - Caracharias taurus
Photo by: Tanya Houppermans
The sand tiger shark is also commonly known as the grey nurse shark, blue nurse sand tiger, and the spotted ragged tooth shark. This shark is a part of the order Lamniformes, also known as mackerel sharks, and contains many relatives of the sand tiger shark including goblin sharks, megamouth sharks, and great white sharks. The family Odontaspididae, is best known for sand sharks, such as the sand tiger that spend much of their time in tropical or temperate regions across the world. The genus Caracharias, in greek, translates to point or type of shark. This genus is known for its large tooth sharks. Sharks in this genus are known for their two dorsal fins and sharp pointed teeth that helps them eat.
The sand tiger shark is also commonly known as the grey nurse shark, blue nurse sand tiger, and the spotted ragged tooth shark. This shark is a part of the order Lamniformes, also known as mackerel sharks, and contains many relatives of the sand tiger shark including goblin sharks, megamouth sharks, and great white sharks. The family Odontaspididae, is best known for sand sharks, such as the sand tiger that spend much of their time in tropical or temperate regions across the world. The genus Caracharias, in greek, translates to point or type of shark. This genus is known for its large tooth sharks. Sharks in this genus are known for their two dorsal fins and sharp pointed teeth that helps them eat.
Photo by: Mike Gerken
Niche and Habitat
Niche and Habitat
Sand tiger sharks are apex predators that sit at the top of the food chain keeping our oceans healthy and balanced. Like many shark species the sand tiger shark eats sick or injured fish allowing for healthy fish populations. These sharks prefer to live near reef structures and shipwrecks making North Carolina an optimal location as we are often referred to as the Graveyard of the Atlantic.
Sand tiger sharks are apex predators that sit at the top of the food chain keeping our oceans healthy and balanced. Like many shark species the sand tiger shark eats sick or injured fish allowing for healthy fish populations. These sharks prefer to live near reef structures and shipwrecks making North Carolina an optimal location as we are often referred to as the Graveyard of the Atlantic.
Sand tiger sharks can be found in many different oceans as shown by the green highlighted areas on the distribution map. They range from the east coast of North America, the southeastern coast of South American, off the coast of Europe and the Mediterranean sea, across the coast of Africa, and are found in the pacific from Japan to Australia.
Sand tiger sharks can be found in many different oceans as shown by the green highlighted areas on the distribution map. They range from the east coast of North America, the southeastern coast of South American, off the coast of Europe and the Mediterranean sea, across the coast of Africa, and are found in the pacific from Japan to Australia.
Evolutionary History
Evolutionary History
Sand tigers sharks are unique in their own way when compared to other species. First their sensory system is very complex. They have electrosensory organs in their lower jaw and nose that are able to sense electric signals from organisms around them. These organs are called the Ampullae of Lorenzini. They also have very good eyesight that allows them to see in low lighting areas and allows them to distinguish between light and dark surroundings and objects. They have a very good sense of smell and are also able to hear low frequency signals. An example of this can be a hurt or sick prey item swimming nearby. Sand tiger sharks also have a sense of touch due to nerve endings under their skin. However, sand tiger sharks do not have the greatest taste and will often take a taste bite. If they bite and do not like it then they spit it out and try to look for something new. Unfortunately, sometimes these taste bites can be fatal if it is to come from a larger shark. Sand tiger sharks like many fish have lateral lines. Lateral lines are used to detect pressure changes in the water and can let the shark know if there is a predator or prey coming close to them. Their teeth are shaped to allow them to grip on to slippery prey.
Sand tigers sharks are unique in their own way when compared to other species. First their sensory system is very complex. They have electrosensory organs in their lower jaw and nose that are able to sense electric signals from organisms around them. These organs are called the Ampullae of Lorenzini. They also have very good eyesight that allows them to see in low lighting areas and allows them to distinguish between light and dark surroundings and objects. They have a very good sense of smell and are also able to hear low frequency signals. An example of this can be a hurt or sick prey item swimming nearby. Sand tiger sharks also have a sense of touch due to nerve endings under their skin. However, sand tiger sharks do not have the greatest taste and will often take a taste bite. If they bite and do not like it then they spit it out and try to look for something new. Unfortunately, sometimes these taste bites can be fatal if it is to come from a larger shark. Sand tiger sharks like many fish have lateral lines. Lateral lines are used to detect pressure changes in the water and can let the shark know if there is a predator or prey coming close to them. Their teeth are shaped to allow them to grip on to slippery prey.
The sand tiger shark has a few other interesting adaptations, one being how it breathes. Sand tiger sharks are both ram ventilators and buccal pump breathers. Ram ventilation means that the shark has to continue moving in order to get water to pass through their gills to get oxygen. While this is how the majority of the sharks breathe, some like the sand tiger shark are buccal pump breathers as well. Buccal pump is the ability for the shark to lay on the bottom or stop moving and they can manually pump water into their gills to get oxygen. The sand tiger sharks have a unique way of keeping themselves naturally buoyant. They go to the surface and gulp air and they hold that air in their stomach.
The sand tiger shark has a few other interesting adaptations, one being how it breathes. Sand tiger sharks are both ram ventilators and buccal pump breathers. Ram ventilation means that the shark has to continue moving in order to get water to pass through their gills to get oxygen. While this is how the majority of the sharks breathe, some like the sand tiger shark are buccal pump breathers as well. Buccal pump is the ability for the shark to lay on the bottom or stop moving and they can manually pump water into their gills to get oxygen. The sand tiger sharks have a unique way of keeping themselves naturally buoyant. They go to the surface and gulp air and they hold that air in their stomach.
Sand tiger sharks also have countershading which allows them to blend in with the water column. The sand tiger sharks top half of the body is dark and the bottom is light. This allows them to camouflage into the water column so when a prey or predator looks up at the surface they think they are looking at the surface and do not see the shark. This is the same as if a predator or prey were looking down, the shark's dark color would help them blend in with the bottom. Sand tiger sharks also have spot and those spot patterns are unique to each shark, almost like a figure print.
Sand tiger sharks also have countershading which allows them to blend in with the water column. The sand tiger sharks top half of the body is dark and the bottom is light. This allows them to camouflage into the water column so when a prey or predator looks up at the surface they think they are looking at the surface and do not see the shark. This is the same as if a predator or prey were looking down, the shark's dark color would help them blend in with the bottom. Sand tiger sharks also have spot and those spot patterns are unique to each shark, almost like a figure print.
Photo by: Bigelow and Schroeder (1948) FNWA
Photo by: Aquarium of the Pacific
Environmental Impacts
Environmental Impacts
The sand tiger shark, as well as many other species of sharks, help keep our oceans healthy and well balanced. Sharks are apex predators and therefore sit at the top of the food chain. Contrary to popular opinion many sharks like the sand tiger shark are docile animals who prefer to eat sick or injured fish, keeping the food chain in balance. The sand tiger shark specifically is a non-aggressive shark that only interacts with humans when bothered first. These sharks may have a toothy smile but they are indeed very friendly. While we may hear of shark bites happening during many summer months, often times it is a case of mistaken identity. Still it is always best to aware of your surroundings when swimming and important to not swim near a pier or those who are fishing.
The sand tiger shark, as well as many other species of sharks, help keep our oceans healthy and well balanced. Sharks are apex predators and therefore sit at the top of the food chain. Contrary to popular opinion many sharks like the sand tiger shark are docile animals who prefer to eat sick or injured fish, keeping the food chain in balance. The sand tiger shark specifically is a non-aggressive shark that only interacts with humans when bothered first. These sharks may have a toothy smile but they are indeed very friendly. While we may hear of shark bites happening during many summer months, often times it is a case of mistaken identity. Still it is always best to aware of your surroundings when swimming and important to not swim near a pier or those who are fishing.
Conservation
Conservation
When addressing conservation of the sand tiger sharks one thing that is important is stopping the overfishing of our seas and sharks. Some countries have banned shark finning and have limited the amount of sand tigers that can be caught. Sand tigers sharks were fully protected in North American waters under the Atlantic Fishery Management plan in 1997. Unfortunately Sand tiger sharks and other species of marine animals can get caught in nets left out in the ocean when they are not the intended target. This is often referred to as bycatch. While sharks are not listed as endangered yet, they are listed as vulnerable and need our help protecting them. One way we can help is by buying sustainable seafood at a restaurant or grocery store. Sustainable seafood is seafood that does not degrade the environment or hurt other animals in the process of catching. This is as simple as checking the packaging at the grocery store or asking your server how the fish was caught.
When addressing conservation of the sand tiger sharks one thing that is important is stopping the overfishing of our seas and sharks. Some countries have banned shark finning and have limited the amount of sand tigers that can be caught. Sand tigers sharks were fully protected in North American waters under the Atlantic Fishery Management plan in 1997. Unfortunately Sand tiger sharks and other species of marine animals can get caught in nets left out in the ocean when they are not the intended target. This is often referred to as bycatch. While sharks are not listed as endangered yet, they are listed as vulnerable and need our help protecting them. One way we can help is by buying sustainable seafood at a restaurant or grocery store. Sustainable seafood is seafood that does not degrade the environment or hurt other animals in the process of catching. This is as simple as checking the packaging at the grocery store or asking your server how the fish was caught.
Another problem sand tigers might face is habitat degradation. They rely on structures such as shipwrecks to have their young. It has been said that sand tiger sharks use the same shipwrecks to have their young year after year making it important to protect. Scientists believe that shipwrecks are a critical habitat for sand tigers and could be helpful in protecting them in the future.
Another problem sand tigers might face is habitat degradation. They rely on structures such as shipwrecks to have their young. It has been said that sand tiger sharks use the same shipwrecks to have their young year after year making it important to protect. Scientists believe that shipwrecks are a critical habitat for sand tigers and could be helpful in protecting them in the future.
Another conservation problem that sand tiger sharks face is the fear humans have of them. Media has caused humans to fear sharks by the way they are portrayed in movies or on the news. Movies show them as these big, mean, eating machines that only want to eat humans when that is simply not true. The media seems to only focus on negative interactions with sharks instead of the positive one. Conservation efforts to save sharks are barely reported in the media which is why the world may have been given misinformation about sharks when in fact they barley encounter us in the wild.
Another conservation problem that sand tiger sharks face is the fear humans have of them. Media has caused humans to fear sharks by the way they are portrayed in movies or on the news. Movies show them as these big, mean, eating machines that only want to eat humans when that is simply not true. The media seems to only focus on negative interactions with sharks instead of the positive one. Conservation efforts to save sharks are barely reported in the media which is why the world may have been given misinformation about sharks when in fact they barley encounter us in the wild.
Friends or Foes?
Friends or Foes?
A friend of the sand tiger shark would be a remora. They have something called a symbiotic relationship. This means both the shark and the remora benefit from each other. The remora gets the scraps of food that the shark doesn't eat and eats the parasites that are living on the shark. The sharks benefit by having the parasites removed.
A friend of the sand tiger shark would be a remora. They have something called a symbiotic relationship. This means both the shark and the remora benefit from each other. The remora gets the scraps of food that the shark doesn't eat and eats the parasites that are living on the shark. The sharks benefit by having the parasites removed.
While sand tigers sharks are considered apex predators that sit at the top of the food chain, they too have predators right when they are born. Other species like Great White Sharks, Mako Sharks, Bull Sharks and Tiger Sharks will prey on the smaller pups until they reach a larger size. Unlike the smaller pups, adult sand tiger sharks do not have any natural predators as they are much larger. Their main threat as adults are actually us as humans. Unfortunately, they are a target for commercial fishing for their fins and meat in Japan and other countries like Australia where finning is legal.
While sand tigers sharks are considered apex predators that sit at the top of the food chain, they too have predators right when they are born. Other species like Great White Sharks, Mako Sharks, Bull Sharks and Tiger Sharks will prey on the smaller pups until they reach a larger size. Unlike the smaller pups, adult sand tiger sharks do not have any natural predators as they are much larger. Their main threat as adults are actually us as humans. Unfortunately, they are a target for commercial fishing for their fins and meat in Japan and other countries like Australia where finning is legal.
Web Resources for Audience to Explore
Web Resources for Audience to Explore
Aquarium of the Pacific - Learn more about sand tiger sharks using the Aquarium of the Pacific's Learning Center.
Aquarium of the Pacific - Learn more about sand tiger sharks using the Aquarium of the Pacific's Learning Center.
National Geographic’s Kids - Use this interactive website for kids on sand tiger sharks to learn fun facts and look through a slide show!
National Geographic’s Kids - Use this interactive website for kids on sand tiger sharks to learn fun facts and look through a slide show!
Seafood Watch by Monterey Bay Aquarium - Go here or download the app to learn more about sustainable seafood. You can also get a seafood guide that gives you your best choices, alternative choices, and choices to avoid depending on where you live.
Seafood Watch by Monterey Bay Aquarium - Go here or download the app to learn more about sustainable seafood. You can also get a seafood guide that gives you your best choices, alternative choices, and choices to avoid depending on where you live.
Spot a Shark USA - Have you seen a sand tiger shark? Use this site and become a citizen scientist by posting your photos here! By posting your photos you can track Sand Tiger Sharks across the world and help scientists learn more.
Spot a Shark USA - Have you seen a sand tiger shark? Use this site and become a citizen scientist by posting your photos here! By posting your photos you can track Sand Tiger Sharks across the world and help scientists learn more.
Ocearch - Want to track sharks and other animals across the world? Use this site to learn about shark conservation and track your favorite marine animals like the sand tiger shark on their ocean adventures.
Ocearch - Want to track sharks and other animals across the world? Use this site to learn about shark conservation and track your favorite marine animals like the sand tiger shark on their ocean adventures.
Resources
Resources
All About the Sand Tiger Shark. (2017). [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BB2GYEtA7g
All About the Sand Tiger Shark. (2017). [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BB2GYEtA7g
Carcharias taurus. (2017, May 10). Florida Museum. https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/carcharias-taurus/
Carcharias taurus. (2017, May 10). Florida Museum. https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/carcharias-taurus/
Diving with Sand Tiger Sharks - Morehead City, NC June 2019. (2019). [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdhPWATYt-w
Diving with Sand Tiger Sharks - Morehead City, NC June 2019. (2019). [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdhPWATYt-w
National Geographic Kids |. (2019). National Geographic Kids. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/sand-tiger-shark/
National Geographic Kids |. (2019). National Geographic Kids. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/sand-tiger-shark/
Ocearch. (2019). Ocearch. https://www.ocearch.org/tracker/?list
Ocearch. (2019). Ocearch. https://www.ocearch.org/tracker/?list
Pacific, A. of the. (n.d.). Sand Tiger Shark. Www.Aquariumofpacific.Org. Retrieved June 13, 2020, from http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/onlinelearningcenter/species/sand_tiger_shark
Pacific, A. of the. (n.d.). Sand Tiger Shark. Www.Aquariumofpacific.Org. Retrieved June 13, 2020, from http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/onlinelearningcenter/species/sand_tiger_shark
Sand Tiger Shark. (n.d.). Oceana. Retrieved June 13, 2020, from https://oceana.org/marine-life/sharks-rays/sand-tiger-shark#:~:text=Because%20of%20their%20coastal%20habitat
Sand Tiger Shark. (n.d.). Oceana. Retrieved June 13, 2020, from https://oceana.org/marine-life/sharks-rays/sand-tiger-shark#:~:text=Because%20of%20their%20coastal%20habitat
Sand Tiger Shark | National Geographic. (2010, September 10). Animals. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/s/sand-tiger-shark/#:~:text=They%20are%20found%20in%20warm
Sand Tiger Shark | National Geographic. (2010, September 10). Animals. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/s/sand-tiger-shark/#:~:text=They%20are%20found%20in%20warm
Sand Tiger Sharks | SHARK ACADEMY. (2014). [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHMSzlECvzE
Sand Tiger Sharks | SHARK ACADEMY. (2014). [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHMSzlECvzE
Sand Tiger Sharks of North Carolina | JONATHAN BIRD’S BLUE WORLD. (2016). [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK847NGQlkI&vl=en
Sand Tiger Sharks of North Carolina | JONATHAN BIRD’S BLUE WORLD. (2016). [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK847NGQlkI&vl=en
Spot A Shark USA - Engaging citizen scientists in sand tiger shark research. (n.d.). Spotasharkusa.Com. Retrieved June 13, 2020, from https://spotasharkusa.com/
Spot A Shark USA - Engaging citizen scientists in sand tiger shark research. (n.d.). Spotasharkusa.Com. Retrieved June 13, 2020, from https://spotasharkusa.com/
Sand tiger shark Lesson Plan for 8-12 Grade.
Sand tiger shark Lesson Plan for 8-12 Grade.
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