Sharks of Gibraltar
All species
Sand Tiger Shark

Sand Tiger Shark

Carcharias taurus

Not aggressive

Fearsome-looking but docile coastal shark with prominent ragged teeth.

Maximum size

2.1–3 m

Aggressiveness

Not aggressive (due to their small mouths)

Habitat

Sandy gullies, reefs and shipwrecks from the surface to 200 m.

Ecology

Practices intrauterine cannibalism — only one pup per uterus survives to birth.

Feeding

Small bony fish, rays, squid and crustaceans.

Behaviour

Hovers almost motionless by gulping air at the surface for neutral buoyancy.

Safety notes for visitors

Risk to swimmers: NegligibleRisk to divers: NegligibleEncounter likelihood: Possible

Species-specific: Despite the toothy appearance, attacks are extremely rare and usually provoked.

If you encounter one

  • Enjoy the sighting — these species are not considered dangerous to humans.
  • Keep a respectful distance; do not touch, grab or attempt to ride the animal.
  • Avoid blocking its path or cornering it against the seabed or a reef.
  • Report unusual or stranded individuals to GONHS or the Department of the Environment.

General visitor guidance

  • Swim, snorkel and dive in groups and stay close to the shore or your boat.
  • Avoid dawn, dusk and night — visibility is low and many sharks are most active.
  • Do not enter the water with open wounds or near fishing activity, bait or chum.
  • Remove shiny jewellery and avoid high-contrast clothing that can resemble prey.
  • If sharks are reported locally, follow guidance from Gibraltar Port Authority and lifeguards.

Conservation status

IUCN: Critically Endangered.

Sources & Citations

Data compiled from peer-reviewed and authoritative open sources. Last reviewed 2026.