Carcharias taurus

(Rafinesque, 1810)

Vernacular names
English : Sand tiger shark
French : Requin taureau

Classification
Class : Elasmobranchii
Order : Lamniformes
Family : Odontaspididae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species grows to 3.30 m in length for a weight over 150 kg. Distinctive large body shape with small triangular snout and mouth with visible sharp teeth. Coloration pale brown-grey with faint brown blotches, fins unmarked.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in subtropical and tropical seas around the world, even in Mediterranean Sea and around South Africa and tip of South America. Lives around the littoral, from inshore areas to deeper parts of continental shelf, to 191 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : This species has a huge range but its low fecundity and the fact that it is often hunted or accidentally caught is cause for immediate concern.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation

 

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