JungleDragon is a nature and wildlife community for photographers, travellers and anyone who loves nature. We're genuine, free, ad-free and beautiful.

Join

Ragged Tooth Shark The common name of Carcharias taurus depends on the location.<br />
In South Africa, they are known as Ragged Tooth Sharks, in Australia, they are known as Grey Nurse Sharks and in America, it is Sand-Tiger Sharks.<br />
<br />
I like the name Ragged Tooth Shark more which aptly described their teeth, more needle like than serrated.<br />
<br />
They are seasonally sighted at Aliwaal Shoal, South Africa during mating season.  The males in big numbers will show up first to wait for the females, and they are likely to be found in groups around overhangs or small caves.  If not disturbed, they will swim from one side of the cave to the other side at the entrance and will turn around. <br />
<br />
The Raggie is very different from other sharks in terms of its buoyancy. Most species remain buoyant by the large amount of oil in their large liver, which is lower in density than the water around them. However, in the case of Ragged Tooth Sharks, they gulp down and keep air in their stomachs to keep them from rolling over or sinking to the bottom of the ocean.<br />
<br />
They may look menacing but are not aggressive although they have been know to bite humans, by mistake.<br />
<br />
This species do well in aquarium and quite a few big aquariums around the world keeps them and have been know to give birth.<br />
<br />
They give birth to live pups. During pregnancy, the most developed embryo will feed on its siblings, a reproductive strategy known as intrauterine cannibalism i.e. &quot;embryophagy&quot; or, more colorfully, adelphophagy &mdash; literally &quot;eating one&#039;s brother&quot;. Aliwaal Shoal,Carcharias taurus,Geotagged,Ragged Tooth Shark,Sand tiger shark,Shark,South Africa,Umkomaas,Winter Click/tap to enlarge Country intro

Ragged Tooth Shark

The common name of Carcharias taurus depends on the location.
In South Africa, they are known as Ragged Tooth Sharks, in Australia, they are known as Grey Nurse Sharks and in America, it is Sand-Tiger Sharks.

I like the name Ragged Tooth Shark more which aptly described their teeth, more needle like than serrated.

They are seasonally sighted at Aliwaal Shoal, South Africa during mating season. The males in big numbers will show up first to wait for the females, and they are likely to be found in groups around overhangs or small caves. If not disturbed, they will swim from one side of the cave to the other side at the entrance and will turn around.

The Raggie is very different from other sharks in terms of its buoyancy. Most species remain buoyant by the large amount of oil in their large liver, which is lower in density than the water around them. However, in the case of Ragged Tooth Sharks, they gulp down and keep air in their stomachs to keep them from rolling over or sinking to the bottom of the ocean.

They may look menacing but are not aggressive although they have been know to bite humans, by mistake.

This species do well in aquarium and quite a few big aquariums around the world keeps them and have been know to give birth.

They give birth to live pups. During pregnancy, the most developed embryo will feed on its siblings, a reproductive strategy known as intrauterine cannibalism i.e. "embryophagy" or, more colorfully, adelphophagy — literally "eating one's brother".

    comments (2)

  1. My my, that is one harsh reproductive strategy! Posted 8 years ago
    1. It seems this gives the older embryos a better chance to survive once they have been given birth.
      It may sounds cruel, but it is the way the mother sharks provide food to its young.
      Posted 8 years ago

Sign in or Join in order to comment.

The sand tiger shark , grey nurse shark, spotted ragged tooth shark, or blue-nurse sand tiger is a species of shark that inhabits coastal waters worldwide. It lives close to the shorelines and sandy beaches of North America, hence the name sand tiger shark. It also dwells in the waters of Japan, Australia, and South Africa. Despite its fearsome appearance and strong swimming ability, it is a relatively placid and slow-moving shark. This species has a sharp, pointy head, and a bulky body. The sand.. more

Similar species: Mackerel Sharks
Species identified by Albert Kang
View Albert Kang's profile

By Albert Kang

All rights reserved
Uploaded Jun 3, 2017. Captured Jul 26, 2013 12:22 in Shepstone St, Umkomaas, 4170, South Africa.