| Smalltooth sand tiger | |
|---|---|
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| Smalltooth sand tiger in captivity | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Chondrichthyes |
| Subclass: | Elasmobranchii |
| Order: | Lamniformes |
| Family: | Odontaspididae |
| Genus: | Odontaspis |
| Species: | O. ferox
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| Binomial name | |
| Odontaspis ferox (A. Risso, 1810)
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| Range of the smalltooth sand tiger | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Odontaspis herbsti Whitley, 1950 | |
The smalltooth sand tiger or bumpytail ragged-tooth (Odontaspis ferox) is a species of mackerel shark in the family Odontaspididae, with a patchy but worldwide distribution in tropical and warm temperate waters. They usually inhabit deepwater rocky habitats, though they are occasionally encountered in shallow water, and have been known to return to the same location year after year. This rare species is often mistaken for the much more common sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus), from which it can be distinguished by its first dorsal fin, which is larger than the second and placed further forward. It grows to at least 4.1 m (13 ft) in length. They have also been recently sighted in Irish and English waters.
Very little is known of the biology and behavior of the smalltooth sand tiger. It is an active predator of benthic bony fishes, invertebrates, and cartilaginous fishes. This species is thought to be ovoviviparous with oophagous embryos like other mackerel sharks. In contrast to its formidable size and appearance, this shark is harmless, having never been known to behave aggressively towards humans. Concern exists that its numbers are declining due to human activities in the Mediterranean and elsewhere, though existing data are inadequate for a full assessment of its conservation status.
- ^ Graham, K.J.; Pollard, D.A.; Gordon, I.; Williams, S.; Flaherty, A.A.; Fergusson, I.; Dicken, M. (2024) [errata version of 2024 assessment]. "Odontaspis ferox". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2024: e.T41876A124424595. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2024-1.RLTS.T41876A124424595.en. Retrieved 22 May 2023.