
Form & Function
This species has nasal barbels on each side of the mouth. They have large, rounded fins that are set back on the body due to their benthic lifestyle. The caudal fin has a reduced to absent lower lobe and the body is typically a yellow-brown color on the back and lighter yellow on the belly. As a sluggish species, the nurse shark has adapted to a nocturnal lifestyle that allows it to feed on fish while they are resting. They also have a large throat that allows them to use suction pressure while feeding.
Conservation & YOu
Data Deficient (IUCN) They are threatened by anthropogenic habitat disturbance due to its preference for coastal waters. You can help the nurse shark by supporting habitat protection and cleaning up around coastal waters.