Latin name

Carcharias tricuspidatus

Other name

Carcharias tricuspidatus

Identification

Carcharias: From the Ancient Greek karkharías, shark, derived from kárkharos, sharp or jagged, referring to a shark’s teeth; tricuspidatus: -atus (L.), provided with: tricuspid teeth, referring to how “awl-shaped” teeth have a “small basal cusp” (or cusplet) on both sides of smooth main cusp.

The appearance of the Indian sand tiger is little different from that of the sand tiger shark. They have a massive body, large head, small eyes without lashes and fang-like, randomly curved teeth. The main differences are the absence of periorbital folds and the rounded shape of the snout.

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fins are of equal size, the posterior dorsal fin being almost equal in size to the anal fin. The caudal fin has a more developed upper lobe carrying a pennant.

Fish colouring

The dorsal colouration is light brown to yellowish grey with a pale belly separated by sharp edges. There are small dark brown patches on the back and flanks which fade with age.

Distribution

Widespread in the Indian Ocean: India and Pakistan. Possibly in Indonesia, Indochina, Australia, the Philippines and northern China.

Habitat

A type of shark that lives on the bottom of tropical oceans.

Size

The maximum length of males is 370 cm, the usual length is 280 cm.

Behavior

They are nocturnal. During the day they hide near rocks, ledges, caves and reefs.

Food and feeding habits

The diet of these fish is based on bony fish, small cartilaginous fish and cephalopods. 

Reproduction

The Indian sand tiger breeds by oviparity. They have pronounced intrauterine cannibalism.

Fishing

This species is not commercially important.

Relationship with a person

The Indian Sand Tiger is considered a dangerous shark to humans.