Nurse Shark (Ginglymostomatidae)


nurse shark, ginglymostoma cirratum

Nurse sharks (Ginglymostomatidae) are a family of sharks that are found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are bottom-dwelling sharks that inhabit coral reefs, lagoons, and other shallow marine environments. Nurse sharks are generally slow-moving and non-aggressive, and they are known for their habit of “sucking” on the substrate to extract small prey items. Nurse sharks are nocturnal animals, and they are often found resting in crevices or under ledges during the day. They are generally medium-sized sharks, and can grow up to about 14 feet (4 meters) in length.