SAND SHARK

any of about six species of sharks of the genus Odontaspis (Carcharias of some authorities) and the family Odontaspididae (or Carchariidae). Sand sharks are found in shallow water, usually at or near the bottom, along tropical and temperate coastlines of all oceans. They range from about 3 to 6 metres (10 to 20 feet) in length and are brown or gray above, paler below. Voracious, but generally sluggish, they have long, slim, pointed teeth and prey on fishes and invertebrates. Two species, the sand tiger (O. taurus), of the Atlantic, and the gray nurse (O. arenarius), of Australia, are potentially dangerous.