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Nurse Shark
Scientific Name: Ginglymostoma cirratum

Although they can grow to lengths of10-14ft and weights of 242.5lbs, nurse sharks are generally regarded as relatively docile members of the shark family. They are found primarily in coastal waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and they are sometimes seen resting in shallow waters less than three feet deep.

Occasionally cited for their almost "catfish-like" appearance, nurse sharks typically have yellow-brown hides and prominent whisker-like "barbells" at the corners of their mouths. These barbells help them locate their prey on the murky ocean floor.

Fun Facts:
  • Nurse sharks feed primarily on small invertebrates they find on the sandy ocean floor.
  • Unlike most other members of the shark family, nurse sharks do not need to constantly swim in order to move water over their gills and maintain their internal blood pressure.
  • Instead, they are able to remain motionless on the ocean floor for long periods of time-pumping water over their gills by repeatedly opening and closing their mouths.
  • Nurse sharks are "ovoviviparous" reproducers. This means that they give birth to live young-unlike most other sharks, which lay egg sacks.
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