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Sand Tiger Shark

Carcharias taurus

Summary 6

The sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus), grey nurse shark, spotted ragged-tooth shark, or blue-nurse sand tiger is a species of shark that inhabits subtropical and temperate waters worldwide. It inhabits the continental shelf, from sandy shorelines (hence the name sand tiger shark) and submerged reefs to a depth of around 191 m (627 ft). They dwell in the waters of Japan, Australia, South Africa, the Mediterranean and the east coasts of North and South America. It is not...

General description 7

[[ Carcharias taurus RafinesqueZBK ]]

Records of the great white shark Carcharodon carcharias (Linnaeus) (Lamniformes: Lamnidae) in the Persian/Arabian Gulf (hereafter referred to as “The Gulf”) are limited to a single report from Kuwait, in the northwest Gulf, which has subsequently been noted in key references (e.g. Compagno, 2001). Khalaf (1987) recorded C. carcharias based on an observation of a mounted specimen in Kuwait Science and Natural History Museum on a visit there in March 1987. The specimen is reported as being a female C. carcharias of 3m in length, caught off Kuwait ’s coast and supplied to the museum on the 14th of April 1984. A black and white photograph of the anterior portion (from just posterior of the pelvic fins) was included in Khalaf’s account (Fig. 1 here), but no measurements or morphological data were presented.

The present authors examined the photograph and identified the specimen as Carcharias taurus RafinesqueZBK (Lamniformes: Odontaspididae) based on the first dorsal fin origin being well behind the inner margins of the pectoral fins (cf. over the pectoral inner margins in C. carcharias ), the first dorsal fin insertion being about over the pelvic fin origin (cf. being well ahead of pelvic fin origin), a short flattened snout (cf. moderately long conical snout), moderately long gill openings not extending onto the dorsal surface (cf. long gill openings), and characteristic protruding teeth. The photograph presented did not allow for examination of the caudal region or for effective examination of colouration.

Carcharodon carcharias has been recorded from a wide range of habitats and with an extensive distribution ranging from the equatorial tropics to the sub-Arctic, and from the intertidal down to the continental slope (Compagno, 2001). Cliff et al. (2000), Compagno (2001), and Zuffa et al. (2002) report white sharks from the tropical Western Indian Ocean off Mozambique and Madagascar north to Tanzania and Kenya and including the Seychelles, Réunion and Mauritius. There is therefore no theoretical reason why this species should not occur in the Persian Gulf or the wider northwestern Indian Ocean, although the nearest confirmed record is from Sri Lanka and possibly the Red Sea (Compagno, 2001). In addition, there are unconfirmed, anecdotal records of white sharks from the Gulf of Aden coast of Yemen, Djibouti and northern Somalia (Conan Doyle, 1963).

Gubanov & Schleib (1980) reported C. taurusZBK as sometimes being encountered in Kuwait waters, although Krupp et al., (2000) noted that there was no material provided to support this. Krupp et al., (2000) reported the first record of C. taurusZBK from The Gulf supported by reference material based on a 2.98m specimen caught off Abu Halifa, Kuwait , in 1997. The C. taurusZBK reported here predates this by thirteen years.

Distribution 8

occurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations

Morphology 9

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 0

Size 10

Maximum size: 3200 mm TL

Description 11

Lives mostly on or near the bottom, from the surf zone, in shallow bays, and around coral and rocky reefs down to at least 191 m depth on the outer shelves (Ref. 247). Migratory species which feeds on small fish, sharks, rays, squids, and on crabs and lobsters occasionally (Ref. 5213). Maybe solitary or forms small to large schools. Reproduction features ovophagy or uterine cannibalism. Only one of 16-23 egg cases survives. Inoffensive and unaggresive when not provoked (Ref. 247).

Habitat 12

Habitat Type: Marine

Comments: Ranges from turbid coastal waters along shore to deeper waters of upper continental and insular slopes; usually found close to the bottom near shore, often in very shallow water (< 4 m) (Castro 1983). Common in neritic waters off northeastern Florida at 5-12 m depth. Nursery grounds are littoral, temperate waters, but do not include embayments or low salinity areas; young are exposed to predation by adult sharks of these areas (Gilmore et al. 1983). Common in temperate and tropical seas on or near coral and rocky reefs (Michael 1993). Often found amid large schools of smaller baitfish (which it occasionally eats).

Ecosystem roles 13

Grey nurse sharks help to regulate prey populations. Different species of lampreys (Petromyzontidae) prey on these sharks in a parasitic relationship, whereby the lamprey attaches to the shark, and extracts blood and other nutrients through a wound. These sharks also have mutualistic relationships with pilotfish (Naucrates ductor), which clean their gills and, in exchange, get to eat the scraps of food left behind in the gills.

Mutualist Species:

  • pilotfish (Naucrates ductor)

Commensal/Parasitic Species:

  • lampreys (Petromyzontidae)

Ecology 14

The causes of mortality are poorly known because they have low commercial value and are often difficult to obtain for study (Hoenig and Walsh 1983). Vertical lesions, specifically regions of swelling along the vertebral column, have been recorded from captured specimens (Hoenig and Walsh 1983).

Diet 15

feeds on a wide variety of bony fishes (teleosts), with elasmobranchs an important secondary prey; crustaceans, cephalopods, and marine mammals are also taken. Bony fish prey includes herring (Clupeidae), anchovies (Engraulidae), hake (Merluccidae), eels (Anguillidae), monkfish or anglers (Lophiidae), cusk eels (Ophidiidae), lizardfish (Synodontidae), sea catfish (Ariidae), croakers (Sciaenidae), Australian salmon (Arripidae), morwong (Cheilodactylidae), rock blackfish or opaleyes (Girellidae), bluefish, elf or taylor (Pomatomidae), mackerel and bonito (Scombridae),butterfishes (Stromateidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), wrasses (Labridae), mullet (Mugilidae), spadefish (Chaetodipteridae), sea robins (Triglidae), flatheads (Platycephalidae), duckbills (Percophidae), midshipmen (Batrachodidae), sea basses(Serranidae), porgies or sea bream (Sparidae), jacks (Carangidae), remoras (Echeneidae), flatfish (Pleuronectiformes) including soles (Soleidae), American soles (Achiridae), Atlantic flounders (Scophthalmidae), and righteye flounders (Paralichthyidae), and undoubtedly many others. Elasmobranch prey includes requiem sharks (Carcharhinidae), houndsharks (Triakidae), angel sharks (Squatinidae), skates (Rajidae) and their egg cases, and eagle rays (Aetobatus and Myliobatis, Myliobatidae). Invertebrate prey includes squid (Loliginidae), crabs, lobsters and hermit crabs (Paguridae). Plant material is rarely found in stomach contents, and presumably is accidentally ingested along with animal prey.

Life cycle 16

Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding on other ova produced by the mother (oophagy) after the yolk sac is absorbed, then cannibalize siblings (adelphophagy) (Ref. 50449). Distinct pairing with embrace (Ref. 205). Eggs leave the ovaries, and while in transit in the oviducts are fertilized and enclosed in groups of 16 to 23 in egg cases. However, at some time between fertilization and birth only two (Ref. 5578, 6586) embryos of its group prevails, possibly by devouring its rivals, and proceeds to eat fertilized eggs and smaller potential siblings in utero until birth. According to Springer (1948) (Ref. 39565), it is evident that this species sends forth into the world not only large, well-developed, and even experienced young but may send them forth with a full stomach. The yolk sac is resorbed at a small size, less than 17 cm, and the umbilical scar may be lost. Gestation period may be from 8 to 9 months long. Size at birth 100 cm (Ref. 6586).Pratt (2001) (Ref. 49562) relates Gordon's (1993) (Ref. 51113) detailed account of the mating behavior of the sand tiger sharks as follows: "mating activities began when the two male C. taurus, having become reluctant to feed, increased their swimming speed, accompanied by clasper flexion and eventual interest in their female tank mates...aggressive displays such as snapping and stalking became frequent, mostly toward species of smaller Carcharhinus in the tank. The males did not become interested in the female until she slowed, moved to the sand area and started cupping her pelvic fins. The two males then became competitive toward each other, circling and tailing, until the alpha male forced the beta male out of the sand area. The female bit the male prior to copulation. She exhibited shielding behavior for several days and then resumed cupping and flaring. The female gradually changed her swimming position and began displaying the submissive behavior. The alpha male swam in increasingly larger circles and began splaying its claspers, then approached the female and exhibited tailing and nosing. Copulation occurred as the male bit into the right flank and trailing edge of the pectoral fin of the female. The male swam side by side with the female, copulating with the right clasper for one to two minutes. After copulation, the male showed little interest in the female." In captivity, males show aggression toward other species after copulation (Ref. 51113, 49562). Females avoid patrolling males by 'shielding' with pelvics close to the substrate (Ref. 51113, 49562). However, female acceptance of future male partner is indicated by a show of 'submissive' body, 'cupping' and 'flaring' of pelvic fins (Ref. 51113, 49562).

Reproduction 17

Winter-spring is the breeding period off the Florida east coast (Gilmore et al. 1983). Individuals may aggregate in specific areas for mating (Michael 1993). Development is ovoviviparous. The gestation time is very long (10.5 months) (Pratt and Casey 1987). Individuals are about 65-110 cm total length at birth (Gilmore et al. 1983; Michael 1993). Age and growth data are lacking except for captive specimens (Branstetter 1990). The birthing season in Florida waters occurs during November through February. Adult females produce only two extremely large (> 100 cm) young per mating season (embryos are oviphagous and cannibalistic) (Castro 1983, Gilmore et al. 1983). Females reach maturity at 237 cm total length (Pratt and Casey 1987).

Link to Access Genomic Data 18

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?id=30501&lvl=0

Sources and Credits

  1. (c) Original uploader was Jlencion at en.wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Grey_nurse_shark.jpg/460px-Grey_nurse_shark.jpg
  2. (c) Biopix, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://www.biopix.com/PhotosMedium/JCS%20Carcharias%20taurus%2034991.jpg
  3. (c) Original uploader was Jlencion at en.wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cc/Grey_nurse_shark_2.jpg/460px-Grey_nurse_shark_2.jpg
  4. (c) Stanislav Krejčík, some rights reserved (CC BY), https://www.biolib.cz/IMG/GAL/71879.jpg
  5. (c) Biopix, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://www.biopix.com/PhotosMedium/JCS%20Carcharias%20taurus%2034993.jpg
  6. Adapted by matbio from a work by (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcharias_taurus
  7. Adapted by matbio from a work by (c) Unknown, some rights reserved (<license>Public Domain</license>), http://eol.org/data_objects/29300065
  8. Adapted by matbio from a work by (c) NatureServe, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://eol.org/data_objects/28954255
  9. Adapted by matbio from a work by (c) FishBase, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://eol.org/data_objects/20845093
  10. Adapted by matbio from a work by (c) FishWise Professional, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://eol.org/data_objects/24198163
  11. Adapted by matbio from a work by (c) WoRMS for SMEBD, some rights reserved (CC BY), http://eol.org/data_objects/28495724
  12. Adapted by matbio from a work by (c) NatureServe, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://eol.org/data_objects/28954262
  13. Adapted by matbio from a work by (c) The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://eol.org/data_objects/18638352
  14. Adapted by matbio from a work by (c) NatureServe, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://eol.org/data_objects/28954260
  15. Adapted by matbio from a work by (c) WoRMS for SMEBD, some rights reserved (CC BY), http://eol.org/data_objects/28480223
  16. Adapted by matbio from a work by (c) FishBase, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://eol.org/data_objects/20845097
  17. Adapted by matbio from a work by (c) NatureServe, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://eol.org/data_objects/28954259
  18. (c) matbio, all rights reserved

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