Fish

Ragged Tooth Shark

Scientific Name

Carcharias taurus

Other Common Name(s)

Grey Nurse Shark, Sand Tiger Shark, Dogfish Shark

Body Weight

95-110 kg

Body Length

Up to around 3.2 m

Habitat

Ocean

Diet

Fish, crustaceans and cephalopods such as squid

Fun Facts

The eggs of ragged tooth sharks hatch inside the mother’s uterus. To ensure the pups can live by and fend for themselves, only 2 pups are born each time. The most advanced embryos in the uterus will eat the other eggs. The other eggs give them ample energy to develop before birth.
Ragged tooth sharks have two ways to achieve buoyancy. In their big liver, they have a large amount of oil that is lighter than water and therefore provides lift. They also take a gulp of air and keep it in their stomach for extra buoyancy.

Distribution

Coastal waters of temperate and tropical regions in the western Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans, including the waters of China, Australia, South Africa and the United States

Threats & Conservation

Threats

Urbanisation & Infrastructure
Overexploitation of Biological Resources
Climate Change

Ragged tooth sharks have been consumed for their meat, fins, liver oil and skin. They are not only caught in fishing nets, but also anti-shark nets at beaches. The population of ragged tooth sharks has declined by more than 80% since the 1950s. Due to their slow growth, late sexual maturity and low fecundity, population recovery is very slow. If the fishing pressure continues, the consequence could be irreversible.

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