Sand tiger sharks are the most commonly displayed large shark in public aquaria, with welfare considerations around tank size, social environment, and feeding management for this apex predator.
Sand tiger shark welfare in public aquaria depends critically on tank volume, water quality, and appropriate social grouping. In undersized tanks, individuals develop stereotypic repetitive swimming circuits — a welfare indicator analogous to pacing in mammals. Competition with other species for food creates chronic stress in multi-species displays. The species naturally cruises open coastal waters over large ranges, making any tank environment a significant behavioural compromise. Modern large-volume tanks with environmental complexity and appropriate social grouping provide substantially better welfare than older, smaller exhibits. Welfare assessment frameworks for sharks in captivity are an emerging and important area.