Smalltooth sand tiger shark

The smalltooth sand tiger shark is Odontaspis ferox, a member of the mackerel-shark family Odontaspididae. It is a separate species from the better-known grey nurse or sand tiger shark, Carcharias taurus. ([New Zealand Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/marine-fish-and-reptiles/sharks-rays/smalltooth-sand-tiger-shark/))

It is associated with continental shelves, upper slopes, seamounts, and other deep rocky or sandy habitats. New Zealand's Department of Conservation gives a reported depth range from 10 metres to at least 883 metres. ([New Zealand Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/marine-fish-and-reptiles/sharks-rays/smalltooth-sand-tiger-shark/))

The smalltooth sand tiger has a first dorsal fin that is noticeably larger than the second and positioned farther forward. The grey nurse shark has similarly sized dorsal fins and teeth with only one pair of small side cusplets. ([Australian Museum](https://australian.museum/learn/animals/fishes/sandtiger-shark-odontaspis-ferox-risso-1810/))

FishBase lists a maximum total length of 450 centimetres for Odontaspis ferox. Despite its large size and protruding teeth, New Zealand conservation guidance says observations by divers indicate it is generally harmless unless provoked. ([FishBase](https://www.fishbase.se/FieldGuide/FieldGuideSummary.php?c_code=250&genusname=Odontaspis&speciesname=ferox), [New Zealand Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/marine-fish-and-reptiles/sharks-rays/smalltooth-sand-tiger-shark/))