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Smalltooth sand tiger (Odontaspis ferox) — Odontaspididae

Smalltooth sand tiger

Odontaspis ferox
VU · Vulnerable

The Smalltooth sand tiger (Odontaspis ferox) is a saltwater fish of the family Odontaspididae that grows up to 450 cm.

Length
450 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–2000.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
May bite
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The smalltooth sand tiger is a large shark (Odontaspididae) of deeper reefs and the continental slope in temperate and tropical oceans. The species grows to about 4.5 metres and has a robust, grey-brown, muscular body with large eyes and long, slender, needle-sharp teeth that remain visible even with the mouth closed. As a slow but powerful predator it hunts fish, squid and crustaceans. Due to its size and teeth it can be dangerous; through fishing the species is vulnerable.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Smalltooth sand tiger?

The Smalltooth sand tiger has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Smalltooth sand tiger live?

The Smalltooth sand tiger lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Smalltooth sand tiger get?

The Smalltooth sand tiger grows to a maximum of about 450 cm.

Is the Smalltooth sand tiger dangerous to humans?

The Smalltooth sand tiger can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans.

Is the Smalltooth sand tiger edible?

Yes, the Smalltooth sand tiger is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kleintand-zandtijgerhaai sourced
English name
Smalltooth sand tiger sourced
Scientific name
Odontaspis ferox
Family
Odontaspididae
Other names
Blue nurse shark; Bumpytail raggedtooth; Bumpytail ragged-tooth verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
450.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Crescent (lunate) inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
2000.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
May bite verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Odontaspididae

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