Sand Tiger Shark
Description
of the Sand Tiger Shark
The Sand Tiger Shark is also known by the names Sand Shark,
Nurse Shark and Ragged tooth shark. It is the only species of
shark to rise to the surface for air which they store in their
stomach. This air enables them to float motionless in the water
when hunting for their prey. They have a swim bladder which
enables them to control their
buoyancy, a very unusual feature for sharks. It is generally
a placid and slow moving shark and will only usually attack in
self defence.
Profile of
the Sand Tiger Shark
This
Profile contains interesting facts and information about the
Sand Tiger Shark species.
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Size: Up to 3.5m
-
Diet / Feeding:
Young Fish, Crustaceans, Squid, Young Sharks and Rays
-
Temperament:
Placid, usually only attack when provoked but will impale
its prey with needle thin teeth!
-
Habitat: 60m to
190m
-
Range: Atlantic
and Indian Oceans
Scientific
Classification of the Sand Tiger Shark
Definition: Scientific
classification, or biological classification, is how biologists
group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical
characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the
science of taxonomy.
Interesting Facts and Information -
How do you identify
the sex of a Sand Tiger Shark?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors
or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish
species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes
tricky being an ichthyologist!
Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Sand Tiger Shark slimy?
Sand Tiger Shark secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin.
This slime provides protection against parasites and infections
and helps the Sand Tiger Shark to move through
the water faster. Some fish species also release
toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish
species use their slime to feed their young.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do Sand Tiger Shark have gills?
Gills enable the Sand Tiger Shark to breathe. Gills consist of thin
sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over
the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon
dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a
large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however
have lungs and breathe air.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do the Sand Tiger Shark have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are
used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different
fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish
species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish
are designed to perform a specific function:
-
Dorsal fins - The
dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Sand Tiger Shark
has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.
-
Ventral fins. The
ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The
Sand Tiger Shark
has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.
-
Caudal fins. The
Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Sand Tiger Shark
has Caudal fins to propel through the water.
-
Pectoral fins. The
Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The
Sand Tiger Shark
has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to
side movement
Interesting Facts and Information about
Sand Tiger Shark
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