Smalltooth
Sand tiger

We are monitoring smalltooth sand tiger shark (Odontaspis ferox) sightings around the island of Fuvahmulah, one of the few locations in the world where these elusive sharks are regularly encountered. Smalltooth sand tiger sharks are deepwater, rarely-seen predators with slender bodies and sharp teeth, and little is known about their behavior, movements, or population size. Local sightings play a crucial role in understanding their ecology, as resident fishers and divers often provide the first evidence of these sharks in shallow waters. By systematically documenting these encounters, we can track their presence, movement patterns, and habitat use, helping to fill critical knowledge gaps and inform conservation strategies for this little-known species.