Identity card
LATIN NAME: Carcharias taurus
FAMILY: Odontaspididae
PHYLUM: Chordata
CLASS: Chondrichthyes
Despite is size and menacing pointed teeth, the sand tiger shark is a peaceable animal.
It is usually found close to the seabed by the coast, in tropical and temperate waters at depths of up to 220 metres. It can also be seen offshore.
It can be recognised by its size and the very rounded shape of its back.
It feeds on bony and cartilaginous fish, crustaceans and cephalopods.
On average, males grow to around 2 to 2.5 metres, up to a maximum of 3.2 metres.