Creature Feature #521: Nurse Shark

The nocturnal Nurse Shark makes his home in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. He is a sluggish fish, hunting dormant prey. During the day, he returns to his favourite resting spots - often under a submerged ledge or in a crevice. Some have been observed resting on the ocean floor, body suported on his fins. This provides a false shelter for crustaceans, which he can then ambush and eat. Nurse Sharks can grow up to 14m long, and are equipped with strong jaws and serrated teeth. They are not, however, dangerous to humans and will only attack if harrassed.