Creature Feature: Sand Tiger Shark
Creature Feature: Sand Tiger Shark
This week’s Creature Feature is the Sand Tiger Shark. This fish is found throughout the shallow temperate waters around the world. This shark is also know as the Spotted Ragged Toothed Shark, Grey Nurse Shark, and Blue-Nurse shark. Sand Tiger sharks are very docile as they are often seen lazily swimming around reefs and shipwrecks. These animals have the ability to gulp air at the surface, and use the air to regulate their buoyancy allowing them to hover motionless in the water column. With their benthic facing mouths Sand Tiger Sharks feed on bottom dwelling fish and prey on small schooling fish like mackerel shad and menhaden minnow.
Scientific name: Caracharias taurus
- Size: 1-4 meters (3-11ft)
- Location: Temperate Waters of the North/South Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, Australia Coast, and East Asia Coast
Photography Tip
Sharks are sometimes a difficult subject to photograph. Many divers find them to be shy when approached. By being patient by kneeling in the sand will pay off when trying to capture an image. Allowing them to access you as a non-threatening object will yield a closer interaction.
Many shark species are being threatened around the world by non-sustainable fishing practices. Only support businesses that support smart fish conservation practices. Share your support by dismissing “shark fear propaganda.”
Gear Recommendation:
Vello White Balance Disk, Vello White Balance Slates
If you have trouble ID’ing fish from your last dive Pick up a copy of REEF Fish Identification – Florida Caribbean Bahamas
Want to improve your underwater Digital Development? Try Adobe Lightroom and enroll in my next tutorial course!
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