A sand tiger shark, Odontaspis taurus, in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of New Jersey, USA. The sand tiger shark swims with its mouth open, exposing a large number of long, three-pronged teeth. Although its teeth are adapted to feed on small fishes, they give the sand tiger a savage appearance. It is probably the most common shark found in public aquariums, where some sand tigers have survived for up to 10 years. (Most large sharks die quickly in captivity.) The sand tiger may reach 10 feet long and inhabits shallow water. This species is not considered very dangerous because of its sluggish, nocturnal habits and teeth unsuitable for taking large prey.