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Sand Tiger Shark

Marine life profile

Sand Tiger Shark

Recorded at 67 dive sites

Where divers encounter it

Explore Sand Tiger Shark around the world

The sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus), also commonly known as the spotted ragged-tooth shark in South Africa, grey nurse shark in Australia, or blue-nurse sand tiger in India, is a species of shark that inhabits subtropical and temperate waters worldwide. Usually purposeful and energy-efficient, it patrols reef edges or open water and changes course when given space.

Dive sites67
Countries15
Animal groupSharks
Safety profileLarge Predator

Meet the species

What to look for

How to Recognize It

Look for a streamlined shark profile, visible gill slits and the fin shape or markings that distinguish this species.

How It Behaves

Usually purposeful and energy-efficient, it patrols reef edges or open water and changes course when given space.

Special Ability

Highly tuned senses help it read vibration, scent and tiny electrical signals hidden in the water.

Dive responsibly

Share the water well

How to Approach

Stay calm, keep the animal in view and let it choose the distance. Never chase, surround or block its route.

Safety

Maintain calm, controlled behavior and follow the guide's briefing. Never bait, chase, crowd or cut across the animal's route.

Worth knowing

The detail you remember

Interesting Facts

It inhabits the continental shelf, from sandy shorelines (hence the name sand tiger shark) and submerged reefs to a depth of around 191 m (627 ft).

Where to Find

Look along reef drop-offs, channels, sandy ledges and blue-water edges where currents concentrate food.

Known countries

MaldivesSaudi ArabiaSouth AfricaBrazilUnited StatesThailandCape VerdeFranceFrench PolynesiaAustraliaTurkeyJapanSpain