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SAND TIGER SHARK
Carcharias taurus
SIZE
To about 10.5 ft (3.2 m).
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
- First dorsal fin far back on body, closer to pelvic fins than pectoral fins
- First and second dorsal and anal fins nearly equal in size
- Snout flattened, with long mouth extending behind eyes
- Color gray to light brown above, grayish-white below; often with brownish spots scattered on body; yellowish-brown spots on juveniles
- Teeth large, needlelike, protruding from mouth, with 1-2 small cusplets
- No interdorsal ridge
DISTRIBUTION
Gulf of Maine to FL, including Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas, and Bermuda.
HABITAT
Coastal; surf zone and shallow bays to outer shelves; generally bottom dwelling.
SIMILAR SPECIES
Lemon shark has teeth without cusps; first dorsal fin farther forward, closer to pectoral fins than pelvic fins. Nurse shark has nasal barbels; lacks distinct lower lobe of caudal fin.
MORE INFORMATION
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Text descriptions taken from Guide to Sharks, Tunas, & Billfishes of the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico |
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(File Modified Sep. 13 2011)
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