Sand Tiger Shark
The sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) is a large coastal shark that moves through Argentine waters along the Buenos Aires province coastline and into Patagonian waters.
Its population in the southwestern Atlantic has collapsed dramatically — down roughly 82% in Argentina over recent decades — making every encounter significant from a conservation standpoint.
Sport fishing for this species in Argentina today is strictly catch-and-release, with researchers tagging individuals to track migrations.
Scientific Name: Carcharias taurus
Also known as sarda, pintado, bacota
- Brownish-gray back with reddish-brown spots scattered across the dorsal surface; white belly — distinctive coloration that separates it from other large coastal sharks.
- Long, protruding needle-like teeth visible even when the mouth is closed; flat, cone-shaped snout gives the head a pointed, almost reptilian look.
- Asymmetrical tail with a noticeably longer upper lobe; broad triangular fins; bulky, heavy-bodied build.
- Typically 2.2–2.5 m (7–8 ft) in Argentine coastal waters; maximum recorded length around 3.2 m (10.5 ft).
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to the southwestern Atlantic; present along the Buenos Aires province coast and into Patagonian waters, part of a broader range shared with Brazil and Uruguay.
- Coastal and shelf waters from the surf zone down to roughly 191 m; most commonly encountered in shallow bays, sandy shorelines, and near submerged reefs.
- Undertakes seasonal north-south migrations tied to water temperature and reproduction, returning predictably to the same coastal aggregation sites.
- Anegada Bay (Bahía Anegada), Buenos Aires province, has been documented as a key reproductive aggregation site in Argentine waters.
Key Locations
- Bahía Anegada, Buenos Aires province — documented reproductive aggregation site; the subject of peer-reviewed research on sand tiger shark populations in Argentina.
- Buenos Aires province coastline — the primary range for this species in Argentine waters, where sport anglers and researchers have recorded encounters.
- Patagonian coastal waters — part of the broader southwestern Atlantic range, though encounters are less documented than in Buenos Aires province.
Specific Spots
- Sandy bottom bays and shallow coastal flats — the species uses these areas for reproductive aggregation and rests near the seafloor, making them the most reliable places to encounter one.
- Outer surf zones and nearshore reefs at night, when this nocturnal shark moves into shallower water to feed on bony fish schooling near structure.
- Mid-water column over deeper shelf edges during daylight hours, where the shark floats nearly motionless by gulping air to regulate buoyancy.
Sand Tiger Shark FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Sand Tiger Shark?
Large whole fish or substantial cut-bait chunks fished on the bottom, mackerel, bonito, or locally available oily baitfish work well because the scent trail draws sharks from distance in murky coastal water.
When is the best time to fish for Sand Tiger Shark?
Late summer and autumn (February–May), warmer coastal water temperatures bring sharks closer inshore along the Buenos Aires coast. Reproductive aggregations at sites like Bahía Anegada are tied to seasonal temperature cycles; cooler winter months (June–August) see the species move offshore or northward.
How do you catch Sand Tiger Shark?
In Argentina, encounters happen from shore or small boats along the Buenos Aires coast, fishing large cut or whole baitfish on the bottom after dark.
What do Sand Tiger Shark eat?
Primarily bony fish, including flatfish and schooling species, along with squid, crustaceans, rays, and occasionally smaller sharks. The long, barb-like teeth are designed to impale slippery fish rather than slice, so whole-fish or large cut-bait presentations on the bottom best match natural feeding behavior.
Where do Sand Tiger Shark live?
Native to the southwestern Atlantic; present along the Buenos Aires province coast and into Patagonian waters, part of a broader range shared with Brazil and Uruguay.
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