Nurse shark: Records & Species Guide
Scientific name: Ginglymostoma cirratum
Identification
Nurse shark
Habitat/distribution
Nurse sharks are bottom-associated sharks found in warm coastal waters of the western Atlantic and nearby regions.
Human-interaction context
They are often seen resting around reefs, ledges and sandy areas. Their generally sedentary appearance can lead people to approach or touch them. Incident context is therefore important: some bites associated with nurse sharks occur after direct handling or unwanted interaction. Do not describe nurse sharks as harmless.
Incident records
Image attribution
Original site-owned diagram. No third-party photograph is used on this page.
Sources and references
- Scientific name: Ginglymostoma cirratum
- Taxonomy status: accepted
- Source basis: Scientific names follow the supplied reviewed editorial reference. External taxonomy checks are recorded separately when performed.