Sand sharks aren’t often spoken of – they’re not the Great White Shark, nor an interesting Hammerhead Shark, but they’re so interesting nonetheless!
Why Are Sand Sharks Different?
Sand sharks are different because they’re know to come to the surface for gulps of air.
Why? Because they actually have a rudimentary swim bladder like other fish do, but very unlike other sharks.
Although this is strange, it helps them have exceptional controlled buoyancy in the shallow waters as they hover, ready to make their move when hunting prey.
Sand sharks also have a large, second dorsal fin, whereas other sharks do not.
When sand sharks develop, they only have 2 embryos, one in each uterus. The strongest pups eat the others and any unfertilized eggs in each uterus. When they are born, they are about 1 meter long.
Sand sharks grow up to 250 pounds and 13 feet long, which is rather slight compared to other sharks.
However, they’re not also called tiger sand sharks or ragged tooth sharks for nothing. They have extremely long, very sharp, needle-like teeth that are smooth on the edges.
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Lamniformes
Family: Odontaspididae
Genera: Carcharias, Odontaspis
Species: There are 4 Species of Sand Shark
Conservation Status: Sand tiger sharks are Species of Concern when it comes to conservation as they’ve been over-fished for not only their fins, but for fishmeal and oil from their livers.
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I hope you enjoyed this Shark Week post on Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…
Live Exotically,
Kimberly Edwards 
P.S. If you go to the University of South Carolina Beaufort, then you will certainly want to pick up your pendant of your mascot – the Sand Shark:
Technorati Tags: Shark Week, sharks, shark, fish, ocean animals, sand sharks, tiger sand sharks, ragged tooth sharks
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