How to Identify Nurse Shark

To identify Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Typically yellowish-tan to dark brown or grayish-brown dorsally, often with small dark spots in juveniles that fade with age. Ventrally, they are lighter.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Two prominent barbels on the snout, anterior to the nostrils, Small eyes located high on the head, Broad, flattened head, Large, spiracle behind the eye, Strong, muscular caudal fin with an indistinct lower lobe, Rough, leathery skin due to placoid scales

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins of similar size, rounded, located far back on the body. The first dorsal fin originates over or slightly behind the pelvic fin bases.

Tail fin

Long, asymmetrical caudal fin, comprising about one-quarter of the total body length, with a poorly developed or absent lower lobe.

Pectoral fin

Large, broad, and rounded pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are also large and rounded. Anal fin is present, located just anterior to the caudal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Barbels

   Look for the two prominent, fleshy barbels located just in front of the nostrils. This is a key distinguishing feature.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fins

   Note the two dorsal fins of roughly equal size, positioned far back on the body, with the first dorsal fin originating over or behind the pelvic fins.

3. 3

   Caudal Fin

   Observe the long, asymmetrical caudal fin, which lacks a distinct lower lobe and makes up a significant portion of the shark's total length.

4. 4

   Mouth

   The small, subterminal mouth is located well forward of the eyes, adapted for suction feeding.

5. 5

   Coloration

   Adults are uniformly yellowish-tan to dark brown. Juveniles may have small dark spots that fade with age.

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