Common name: Nurse Shark

General Information

The Nurse Shark, scientifically known as Ginglymostoma cirratum, is a fascinating species often found in public aquariums due to its docile nature and unique appearance. These sharks are recognized for their broad, flat heads and elongated bodies, typically adorned in a sandy brown color, which provides excellent camouflage against the ocean floor.

Despite their intimidating size, Nurse Sharks are generally peaceful and have become a staple in educational and conservation programs. They play a significant role in marine ecosystems as predators of benthic organisms, helping to maintain the balance of marine life.

Care

While Nurse Sharks are intriguing, they are not suitable for home aquariums due to their large size and specific care requirements. They thrive in large, well-maintained tanks that mimic their natural habitat, complete with sandy substrates and ample swimming space. These sharks are best kept in public aquariums where their needs can be adequately met.

Diet and Feeding

Nurse Sharks are carnivorous, feeding primarily on fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. They have small, serrated teeth that are adapted for crushing and grinding. Each tooth is broad and triangular, featuring a serrated edge that helps them grasp and break down hard prey items such as crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.

Unlike the sharp, pointed teeth of some predatory sharks, the teeth of nurse sharks are better suited for their benthic feeding habits, which involve foraging along the ocean floor and consuming prey that requires crushing rather than slicing. Nurse sharks have multiple rows of teeth, and if a tooth is lost, another moves forward to replace it, a common trait among sharks.

In captivity, they require a diet that includes a variety of fresh or frozen seafood, such as shrimp, squid, and fish. Feeding should be done several times a week, ensuring that the portions are adequate for their size and activity level.

Behavior and Compatibility

Known for their calm demeanor, Nurse Sharks are typically peaceful and can coexist with other large, non-aggressive marine species. However, due to their size and dietary needs, they should be housed with caution in mixed-species exhibits.

Reproduction

Nurse Sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. Females can have litters of up to 30 pups, which are born fully formed and independent. Breeding in captivity is rare, and successful reproduction requires specific environmental conditions.

Health and Common Issues

In captivity, Nurse Sharks can live for several decades if provided with proper care. They require a stable environment and regular health checks to prevent common issues such as parasites and bacterial infections. Maintaining high water quality and a suitable diet is crucial for their well-being.

Habitat

Nurse Sharks are commonly found in warm, shallow waters of the Atlantic and eastern Pacific Oceans. They inhabit coral and rocky reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, often resting on the ocean floor during the day and becoming more active at night.