Shark

Nurse shark

Ginglymostoma cirratum

Reef ledges, sandy flats, and mangrove channels

Photo: Dr. Mathew Gilligan / NOAA · Public domain (U.S. government) · Source and license. Displayed as a resized crop. Photograph illustrates the species.

Habitat: Reef ledges, sandy flats, and mangrove channels
Published habitat depth: Adults often rest at 3–75 m; juveniles use 1–4 m shallows
Viewing activities: Snorkeling · Scuba diving

Field context

Sandy bottoms, reef caves and crevices. Adults often rest at 3–75 m by day and forage in shallower water at night; juveniles frequent 1–4 m.

Observing responsibly

Often rests beneath ledges during the day and forages at night. Leave resting animals undisturbed.

When to look

The available records do not establish a reliable local viewing season. Use the map’s month filter to inspect dated observations; it does not predict an encounter.

WHERE HAS IT BEEN RECORDED?

Explore the featured regions

These dated records show past presence. They do not establish today’s abundance, guarantee a sighting, or describe the species’ entire range.

This reference profile does not have a matching record in the four featured snapshots. That is not evidence of absence. Explore the live map for other areas and records.