DIVE-SEEK field image · species photo unavailableshark · sand tiger
Ragged-tooth shark
Carcharias taurus
Toothy but placid aggregating shark, known regionally as sand tiger, grey nurse and raggie.
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Quick facts
The Ragged-tooth shark (Carcharias taurus) is a marine species divers can encounter. Typical size: 200–260 cm. Usually seen at 15–30 m depth. Where to see it: Aliwal Shoal (June–November).
Summarised from DIVE-SEEK's recorded catalogue data; omitted values are not yet recorded.
Taxonomic rank
species
Typical size
200–260 cm (total_length)
Maximum size
320 cm
Typical depth
15–30 m
Maximum depth
190 m
Conservation status
Research in progress
Photography difficulty
2 /5
Activity pattern
Nocturnal feeding, seen resting by day.
Description
Accepted name confirmed via WoRMS (AphiaID 105843); the common names ragged-tooth, spotted ragged-tooth, sand tiger and grey nurse all refer to this one species. Winter aggregations off KwaZulu-Natal are tag-documented. Conservation status not populated pending a verified Red List reading; note that some regional subpopulations are assessed separately from the global assessment.
Habitat
Sandy gullies, reefs and caves on temperate and subtropical coasts.
Behaviour
Hovers almost motionless by gulping air at the surface for buoyancy; docile despite the exposed teeth.
Diet
Fish, small sharks, rays and squid.
Social behaviour
Aggregates seasonally in large numbers.
Photography notes
Slow-moving and tolerant. Wide angle close-focus works; the teeth carry the image.
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Where to see it
Destinations
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