Once bearing many prehistoric species, all have gone extinct with the exception of the critically endangered sand tiger shark.

[2] Carcharias species are generalist predators that hunt bony fish, small sharks, rays, squids, crabs and lobsters.

[3] Sand tiger sharks are found in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.

They live in water depths ranging from 0 to 190 m (0 to 623 ft), and are commonly found in sandy surf zones.

[3] With the Ancient Greek name καρχαρίας (karkharías) literally translating to "shark", many extant species have been placed into this genus before being moved to different genera and orders.