Fin's Fish Guide
The Nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) is a saltwater fish of the family Ginglymostomatidae that grows up to 430 cm.
Atlantic Ocean on both sides and the eastern Pacific, near rocky bottoms, reefs and mangroves of shallow, warm coastal waters.
Description
The nurse shark is a slow, brown bottom shark of the family Ginglymostomatidae reaching about 3 metres (rarely more). The sturdy body has a flattened head with two short barbels at the small mouth, small eyes and a long tail without a distinct lower lobe. With its small mouth and strong throat muscles it sucks prey off the bottom. By day it often rests motionless, sometimes piled in groups, under rock ledges and in caves; at night it hunts shellfish, crabs, lobsters, sea urchins and bottom fish. The species lives near rocky bottoms, reefs and mangroves of shallow, warm coastal water. It is usually peaceful but can bite fiercely with its powerful jaws if harassed. Through fishing it is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Nurse shark?
The Nurse shark has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Slow, brown bottom shark with two barbels at the mouth, a small mouth and a long tail; during the day it often rests motionless under rock ledges. Note: in tropical regions this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with caution or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the Nurse shark live?
The Nurse shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Atlantic Ocean on both sides and the eastern Pacific, near rocky bottoms, reefs and mangroves of shallow, warm coastal waters.
How big does the Nurse shark get?
The Nurse shark grows to a maximum of about 430 cm. On average the species is around 304 cm.
Is the Nurse shark dangerous to humans?
The Nurse shark can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Not venomous, but a large predatory shark with powerful jaws: keep your distance from a hooked or landed shark and handle only with proper equipment.
Is the Nurse shark edible?
The Nurse shark is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Ginglymostomatidae
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