Nurse Shark

Nurse Shark

Scientific Name Ginglymostoma cirratum
Identification Tan to brown smooth body; distinctly wide head with two small barbels near the mouth. Slow-moving.
Maximum Length 96+ inches (up to 14 feet)
Origin Caribbean / Atlantic
Minimum Tank Size 1000+ gallons
Reef Compatibility Not reef safe

Behavior

Docile but grows very large — suitable only for public aquaria or extremely large home systems (1000+ gal).

Diet & Feeding

Carnivore. Feed whole meaty fish, shrimp, squid. Very large feedings required for adults.

Cautions

Grows too large for virtually all home aquariums; bites can cause serious injury despite calm temperament.