Shark, Nurse
Food Quality:
Avg. Length
2-6ft
Avg. Weight
10-100lbs
World Record
263lbs 12oz
FL Record
263lbs 12 oz
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Scientific Name
Ginglymostoma cirratum
Description
The Nurse Shark is a common bottom dwelling shark sporting long barbels close to the tip of the nose. The first dorsal fin is the largest and all fins are rounded. Nurse sharks rage from brownish yellow to brownish grey and occasionally sport darker splotches of color.
Habitat & Behaviour
Nurse Sharks are at home on the bottom of reefs and muddy coastal shores. They can survive in both brackish and ocean waters and will fan out from a central location to hunt. They seem to have a predilection for returning to familiar shelter for sleep following their nightly hunts.
Natural Prey
Nurse Sharks sport a smaller sized mouth and rely on the bountiful bottom for food. As such they consume many smaller fish and other bottom dwelling invertebrates. On occasion they may also eat vegetation.
Handling Tips
A docile shark. It goes without saying that you should steer well clear of any sharks mouth. They also have rough skin which if whipped on you can leave a rash. Little ones wiggle a quite a bit, grab behind gills and hold tail. Larger sharks tail snare if you can and keep in water. When releasing sharks try to leave as little line as possible. Hooks rot out in a few weeks. Pro Angler supports shark conservation and recommends you catch and release. If brought into the boat, leave for 15-20 minutes before handling, shark will tire and be easier to handle as their body is very strong as well. Known to even play dead before snapping at you, so be careful!
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