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Sand tiger shark

(Carcharias taurus)

 

Category: Fish

 

 

This species of shark can be found in temperate and sub-tropical ocean waters worldwide. They inhabit the continental shelf, their habitat ranges sandy shorelines to submerged reefs at depths of around 625 feet. It is a relative of the white shark and looks fearsome but it is actually a relatively placid, slow-moving shark with no recorded human fatalities. It is unique among sharks in that it can gulp air, which allows it to maintain its position in the water column with little effort. During pregnancy, the most developed embryos will feed on its siblings, a strategy known as “intrauterine cannibalism.”

 

Data & Facts

Scientific Classification
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Chondrichthyes
Order - Lamniformes
Family - Odontaspididae
Genus - Carcharias
Species - C. taurus

 
Did you know?
Interesting Animal Facts

Hey, Fishlips!

If you’ve ever worn lipstick (or kissed anybody wearing lipstick), you’ve probably had fish scales on your lips. Of course you won’t find “herring scales from commercial fishing hauls” on the ingredients list of your cosmetics - they list it as the regal-sounding “pearl essence” or “pearlescence.” But why? Because the scales of silvery fish that capture and reflect light so beautifully in the water function the same way on your lips. So maybe next time somebody calls you “fish lips,” don’t jump to conclusions too quickly, maybe they mean it as a compliment!

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