Nurse Shark
Nurse Shark
Ginglymostoma cirratum
Life History
Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: The mouth is near the tip of the snout with conspicuous nasal barbells on each side; deep grooves connecting nostrils with the mouth. The first and second dorsal and anal fins are broadly rounded and the second dorsal fin is nearly as large as the first dorsal fin. The first dorsal fin originates well behind the pectoral fins and over or behind the origin of the pelvic fins. Caudal fins have no distinct lower lobe. It is dark brown to yellow-brown in color above, lighter brown below and occasionally with yellowish hues on the underside. Juveniles often have black spots. They have very small eyes and no interdorsal ridge.
Size: Can get up to about 9 feet
Age at Maturity: 7½ feet for females and 7 feet for males
Range: Rhode Island to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Rare north of Cape Hatteras
Habitat: Coastal; often in or close to coral reefs on or near the bottom; young in very shallow water; adults in progressively deeper water.
Angling Information
Bait and Tackle: Cut bait of any kind but nothing artificial. Any kind of tackle except fly will work.
Fishing Method: Still fishing
Food Value: Excellent
State Regulation
Daily Limit: 1 per angler or boat
Minimum size: 54″ FL
