The Smalltooth sandtiger is a large, stocky shark with anal fin and second dorsal fin smaller than the first dorsal fin. First dorsal fin is closer to pectoral fins than pelvic fins, pectoral fins are short, broad and paddle-like. Snout dorsally depressed, conical and rather long, eyes fairly large. Caudal fin strongly asymmetric, without lateral keels but upper pecaudal pit present.

SIZE

These sharks can reach a maximum length of 11.8 feet, but generally around 9.8 feet. Size at birth is approximately 3.4 feet. Males mature at 9.0 feet and females at 11.2 feet.

TEETH

They have protruding fang-like unserrated teeth with two or more pairs of very prominent lateral cusps, 3 to 5 rows of smaller intermediate teeth between the anterior and lateral teeth of the upper-jaw.

COLOR

Dorsal color is mid-gray or gray-brown, ventral surfaces paler gray or white with dusky blotching on ventral surfaces of pectoral and pelvic fins, some fin apices dusky in juveniles but indistinct.

FEEDING HABITS

These sharks feed on small bony fishes, squid and shrimp.

BEHAVIOUR

They are an active offshore swimmer, reported alone and in small groups near reefs and gullies.

HABITAT

May be world-wide in warm temperate and tropical deep water. Found on or near bottom, continental and insular shelves and upper slopes from 42 feet to 1,377.9, and possibly epipelagic, from 459.3 to 590.5 feet. Sometimes seen near coral reef dropoffs, rocky reefs and gullies.

REPRODUCTION

Reproduction poorly known. Presumed viviparous, pups nourished by oophagy. Litter size unknown.

SHARK ATTACKS

No data.

POPULATION REPORT

Unknown.