Quick Stats
|
Expert |
Temperament
Docile |
Color Form
Yellowish-brown to gray with lighter spots |
Diet
Carnivore |
Reef Compatible
No |
|
sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78°F, dKH 8-12, pH 7.8-8.4 |
Max. Size
Up to 10 feet |
Family
Ginglymostomatidae |
Minimum Tank Size
300 gallons |
|
Description
The Nurse Shark is a remarkable species known for its docile nature and distinctive appearance. Characterized by a stout body, broad head, and short, blunt snout, these sharks can reach lengths of up to 10 feet, making them one of the larger species found in warm, shallow waters.
Nurse Sharks are typically yellowish-brown to gray in color, often featuring lighter spots and patterns that provide camouflage against the ocean floor. They are primarily bottom dwellers, frequently found resting on the seabed or among coral reefs and rocky substrates.
Despite their size, Nurse Sharks are generally non-aggressive and are known for their calm demeanor. However, due to their size and specific care requirements, they are best suited for expert aquarists. A minimum tank size of 300 gallons is recommended to accommodate their swimming needs and to ensure proper water quality.
As carnivores, Nurse Sharks thrive on a diet that includes a variety of meaty foods such as fish, crustaceans, and squid. They may also require supplemental feedings of prepared seafood or specialty shark pellets to maintain their health and well-being.
While Nurse Sharks are fascinating and captivating creatures, they are not considered reef-compatible due to their potential impact on other smaller tank inhabitants. Therefore, they should be housed in species-specific tanks or large community tanks with similarly sized and temperament-compatible fish.
Overall, the Nurse Shark is a unique addition to any large marine aquarium, providing a stunning display of nature’s underwater wonders while demanding a commitment to proper care and maintenance.
| Shark Size | 24"~ |
|---|
