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Who?
Family: Ginglymostomatidae
Species: Ginglymostoma cirratum
Species ID: G.GC
Description: A wide-bodied shark with a flattened, blunt head (1) and barbels (2) above its mouth. The pectoral fins are broad and two large dorsal fins (3) are located towards the rear of the body near the un-forked tail (4). Nurse sharks are grey to brown in colour. Males differ from females by the presence of external sexual organs called ‘claspers’, fingerlike projections on the ends of the pelvic fins (5). Juveniles resemble adults but are covered in small dark spots which disappear with age
Maximum Size: 4.3 m (14 ft)
Longevity: Up to 25 years
Status: IUCN endangered species convention currently lacks sufficient data to assess the conservation status of this species
Nurse Sharks & People: The nurse shark is sometimes collected for public aquariums. This is generally a docile species, although reports exist of biting accidents when this species is harassed or accidentally stepped on
Where?
Geographical Range: Occasional in shallow tropical waters on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean as well as in the shallow waters of the Eastern Pacific along the coast of California
Coral Reef Zone: Found in the back reef, fore reef and drop-off zones
Favourite Habitat: Nurse sharks prefer sandy areas in which to rest and hunt, as well as rocky areas that offer ledges or caves for shelter
Depth Range: 0-130 m (0-430 ft)
A Day in the Life:
Dawn: Feeding activity declines and nurse sharks seek shelter
Day: These nocturnal animals are sluggish and are usually found resting in caves
Dusk: Nurse sharks emerge from shelter, and move towards shallower areas to forage
Night: At night, nurse sharks actively forage for prey in relatively shallow reef areas
Who Eats Who
The nurse shark feeds on hard-shelled prey such as lobster, crabs, conch, and sometimes squid and fishes. Because it is so big, the nurse shark has few natural predators; it is consumed only by larger shark species.
Scuba Diver & Snorkeler Best Practices
Participate in scientific underwater assessment projects Science matters—advanced divers may wish to participate in fish or coral censuses. Assessments such as these help scientists and marine managers take ‘the pulse’ of coral reefs. Not only will you experience the pleasure of diving, but you will also know that you are helping advance knowledge of the ecosystem and aiding in its protection.
