Nurse

Shark The nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) is a species of coastal shark commonly found in areas of shallow, warm waters in the western Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. It is a large, sluggish species of shark typically growing to a length of 2-3 meters (7-10 feet). Nurse sharks have a flattened, brownish colored body with a short, broad head and a short, conical snout. They have two dorsal fins and the second dorsal fin is almost as large as the first one. The nurse shark has a significant economic and ecological importance. It is a popular target for recreational fishermen and considered an important source of food for the local people. It also plays an important role in the food web, preying on invertebrates, fish, and other sharks. Its sluggish behavior and docile nature also make it popular in marine aquariums.