The sand tiger shark, despite its fearsome appearance with rows of sharp, protruding teeth, is a relatively docile species. Found in warm and temperate coastal waters, it prefers sandy bottoms, reefs, and shipwrecks where it can quietly hunt. This shark is a slow swimmer, often hovering motionlessly in the water, which makes it unique among sharks.
Sand tiger sharks primarily feed on fish, crustaceans, and squid. They are ambush predators, using their camouflage and patience to get close to prey before striking. Unlike many other sharks, they can gulp air into their stomachs, allowing them to maintain buoyancy and float effortlessly. Unfortunately, sand tiger sharks are listed as vulnerable due to overfishing and habitat destruction, as well as their slow reproduction rates, which hinder population recovery.