Tawny Nurse Shark
Nebrius ferrugineus
- Group: Shark
- Typical depth: 0–70 m
- Max size: 3.2 m
- For divers: dangerous
- IUCN status: VU
A heavy bodied shark that grows past three metres, the tawny nurse shark spends the day resting on the bottom in lagoons and along reef edges, sometimes piled together in caves. It hunts mostly at night, sucking octopus, fish and crustaceans out of crevices with a powerful gulp. It is generally placid but can injure a diver that harasses it, and the species is now listed as vulnerable.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Elasmobranchii › Orectolobiformes › Ginglymostomatidae › Nebrius
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 220030.
FAQ
- How deep does the Tawny Nurse Shark live?
- The Tawny Nurse Shark (Nebrius ferrugineus) is typically found at 0–70 m.
- Is the Tawny Nurse Shark dangerous to divers?
- The Tawny Nurse Shark can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.
- How big does the Tawny Nurse Shark get?
- The Tawny Nurse Shark grows to about 3.2 m.