Ragged-tooth shark (sand tiger)

How it lives

Lives from the surf zone and shallow bays down to about 191 m, often on or near the bottom around reefs, caves and overhangs, and usually at 15 to 25 m. It is found alone or in small to large groups. Females carry the young for about 9 to 12 months, and the biggest embryo in each of the two uteruses eats its siblings and the other eggs, so usually two pups are born. The reproductive cycle is generally two years, and some females seem to rest for a further two years. It is not aggressive when left alone: a global record counts 29 unprovoked bites on people, none fatal, and a handful of bites have involved spearfishers carrying speared fish.

Where it goes

In South Africa, adults of both sexes move north from the Eastern Cape into KwaZulu-Natal, where mating takes place in late October and November. Pregnant females continue north to northern KwaZulu-Natal and southern Mozambique, then return south around July and August. Pups are born at nursery sites in the Eastern Cape from September to November. Sand tigers off South Africa and Australia can make round trips of up to about 3,000 km. At Aliwal Shoal, sharks are reported mainly from about July to November, when they gather to mate. Timing varies from year to year.

We only draw a journey on the map when scientists have tracked it or clearly documented it. For this animal we have not found one yet.

Populations

Globally Critically Endangered (IUCN, assessed 2020, published 2021). CMS lists it on Appendices I and II since 2024. South Africa: the commercial sale of any part is prohibited. A mark-recapture estimate of about 16,700 adults was made more than a decade ago, and a 2020 study suggested this may be the last stable subpopulation in the world. Southwest Atlantic: an estimated decline of more than 80% over seven decades, with at least 70% lost in Brazil between 1970 and 2010. Australia: protected in New South Wales since 1984 and Queensland since 1997, but recovery has been slow. Mediterranean: last seen in 2003 and presumed gone.