Sharks in Long Island Sound by Dave Sigworth
Yes, swimmers, there are sharks in Long Island Sound.
Growing to lengths of up to 10 feet, sand tiger sharks are among the largest and most common species of sharks found in Long Island Sound. They can occur in the western Atlantic from Maine to Brazil, and also are common off South Africa and Australia, where they are called gray nurse sharks.
According to the International Shark Attack Files based at the University of Florida, sand tiger sharks (Odontaspis taurus) rank No. 4 on the list of unprovoked attacks worldwide over the last 420 years. However, the most recent authenticated sand tiger attack in Long Island Sound occurred 40 years ago, in 1961. (And, if it's any reassurance, that one was a non-fatal incident.) "Talk to any Sound fisherman, and he'll tell you that more people are bitten by bluefish than by sand tiger sharks," said Jack Schneider, animal curator and director of education at The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk. Shark attacks should be kept in perspective. Most people have a slim chance of even encountering a shark, much less being bitten.
How do you identify a sand tiger shark? First, look at the dorsal fins on the shark's back. The two dorsal fins on a sand tiger are close in size, while on most sharks, the foremost dorsal fin, near the head is larger. Also, the narrow teeth of a sand tiger shark are visible all the time, not just when it bites. In many other species, such as reef and blue sharks, the teeth are somewhat out of view until the shark extends its jaws to bite.
Because of their imposing teeth-bared appearance, and because they survive well in captivity, sand tiger sharks are often displayed in aquariums, including The Maritime Aquarium's 110,000-gallon Open Ocean tank.
Sand tiger sharks are born as live pups, only one or two to a litter. During their year of incubation, the mother continues to produce eggs, which the unborn pups eat! At birth, the pups measure about 30 inches long. Juvenile sand tiger sharks have spots that eventually fade as they mature. Frequently described as sluggish, sand tigers feed on many species of smaller fish, as well as crabs and squid.
Other common species of sharks in Long Island Sound include the smooth dogfish (up to 5 feet long) and spiny dogfish (up to 4 feet). Brown, blue, mako, thresher, and even hammerheads are occasional visitors, especially near the Race, the narrow entry channel at the Sound's eastern end.
Back to top Dave Sigworth is the Projects Editor for The Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk, CT.