Bigeye Sand Tiger

The bigeye sand tiger (Odontaspis noronhai) is a species of mackerel shark in the family Odontaspididae, possibly found worldwide at depths of 60–1,000 m (200–3,300 ft). It is extremely rare and poorly-known: despite intense fishing activity in many parts of its presumed range, only around 15 specimens have ever been captured. This species can be distinguished from the similar smalltooth sand tiger (O. ferox) by the shape of its teeth, which have only a single lateral cusp on each side, and by its uniform dark brown color. Little is known of its biology; it appears to feed on fish and squid and is likely aplacental viviparous, as with the other mackerel sharks. The bigeye sand tiger is a bycatch of deepwater fisheries, but is so infrequently encountered that its population status cannot yet be determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).