Rare Shark Shocker: Smalltooth Sand Tiger Spotted in UK Waters
Experts have confirmed the unusual find – a Smalltooth Sand Tiger Shark (Odontaspis ferox), also known as the Gray or Blue Nurse Shark. This rare species is often confused with the common gray nurse shark but stands out with key differences.
Spotting the Shark: What Makes It Different?
- The Smalltooth Sand Tiger’s first dorsal fin is bigger and sits further forward than the second.
- They can grow up to 3.67 metres long and weigh as much as 289kg.
- It looks a lot like the Sand Tiger shark but is larger and bulkier.
This shark is a strictly protected species and rarely seen in these waters. Only about 200 sightings are on record, making it vulnerable due to its low population.
Where Do These Sharks Roam?
Smalltooth Sand Tiger Sharks are scattered across the globe. You’ll find them in:
- The eastern Atlantic: Gulf of Gascony, Madeira, Morocco, Mediterranean, Cape Verde
- The western Atlantic: Yucatan Shelf, Mexico
- The Indo-West Pacific: South Africa, Maldives, Madagascar, southern Japan, Australia, New Zealand
- The central Pacific: off Hawaii
- The eastern Pacific: southern California and Baja California, US and Mexico
Experts React to the Discover
Ali Hood, Director of Conservation at The Shark Trust, said:
“It’s always good to see rare specimens secured for scientific purposes, and this is no exception. Efforts are being made to see the specimen retained.”
Shark Biologist Martin Taylor revealed:
“This is an extremely unique discovery in UK waters. Determining how it got here requires a thorough examination. This rare demersal shark species is little known, and I have not seen any records of it being found in the UK before. This could be a first sighting and a remarkable discovery.”
The specimen is currently being recovered for autopsy and further study, in a bid to unlock more secrets about this mysterious giant of the deep.
