Ginglymostoma cirratum

Order: Orectolobiformes

Nurse sharks are members of one of the most diverse shark orders. Known broadly as carpet sharks, this group of fishes is astonishingly varied – some, such as the wobbegong, are indeed flat and carpet-like in appearance, while others such as the nurse shark appear more typically shark-like. The nurse shark’s close relatives include some of the smallest known sharks, as well as the very biggest of all – the whale shark.

Nurse sharks are largely nocturnal creatures, usually resting on sandy bottoms or in caves by day and emerging to feed actively at night. Unusually, they can use their strong pectoral fins to pull themselves along the seabed, as well as swimming in the traditional manner.

Maximum size: About 3 metres / 110kg

Distribution: Tropical and subtropical areas off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the Americas and West Africa, although occasionally seen elsewhere. Very common in the Caribbean.

Diet: Fish, including stingrays, as well as crustaceans and molluscs.

Reproduction: Ovoviviparous. Litters typically between 20 and 40 pups.