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NURSE SHARK (Ginglymostoma cirratum) Recognition: A shark with a terminal mouth, with a conspicuous whisker-like nasal barbel on each side of the mouth, and a first dorsal fin originating over or posterior to the origin of the pelvic fins. Color: Color is dark to light brown above and lighter below, occasionally with a yellowish tinge in the undersides. Size: Adults measure 230-300 cm (7-10 ft). It is believed to reach 425 cm (14 ft). Similar species: The nurse shark is the only Atlantic shark with long, tapering nasal barbels. Biology: In the western Atlantic the nurse shark is found from off Cape Hatteras to off Brazil. It is a coastal species often found in, or close to, coral reefs. The young are found in very' shallow water in south Florida, with progressively larger adults being found in progressively deeper waters .Economic importance: Its hide is said to be one of the best for the production of leather. It is not utilized for food or for its fins. Fishing: Many adults are caught in coastal shark fisheries off Florida, they are usually spared and released unharmed. Nurse sharks are incredibly strong and tenacious, thus experienced fishermen prefer to cut the line to bringing a live nurse shark on deck. Carcass: The brown color and presence of large dorsal fins located posterior to the origin of the pelvic fins serve to separate the nurse from other sharks in the area. References |
Last updated: November 8, 1998
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