Sandbar sharks are classified within the genus _Carcharhinus_, which contains many commonly known species such as the blacktip shark, dusky shark, and bull shark. Grey nurse sharks, on the other hand, are the only living species in the genus _Carcharias_, which is an ancient and distinct lineage.
Although they share some characteristics typical of carcharhinid sharks, such as five gill slits and two dorsal fins, sandbar sharks and grey nurse sharks exhibit notable differences in appearance and behavior. Sandbar sharks are generally smaller in size, reaching maximum lengths of around 8-9 feet (2.4-2.7 meters), and are commonly found in inshore waters and coastal habitats.
Grey nurse sharks, in contrast, can grow much larger, reaching lengths of over 13 feet (4 meters), and are typically associated with deeper waters and rocky reefs. They are known for their docile nature and often display calm behavior towards divers.
In terms of conservation status, sandbar sharks are listed as "Near Threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to overfishing and habitat loss, while grey nurse sharks are classified as "Vulnerable" due to similar threats.