Nurse Shark

(Ginglymostoma cirratum)

Ginglymostoma Sharks should be added to very large aquariums with a deep fine sand bed. Nurse Sharks will grow very large careful thought and consideration will need to be done before adding to home aquariums. Stable rockwork with plenty of caves, cracks and crevices should be provided for resting. Sharks lack airbladders instead they have two lobed liver that maintains their buoyancy. Sharks have a keen sense of smell and eyesight as well as renewable teeth. They are nocturnal and are sensitive to both electric impulses and copper maintain aquarium with neither present. Sharks require a diet rich in meaty based foods.

Nurse Shark are also sometimes known as Carpet or Cat Shark. Rarely ever seen in the aquarium trade. Juvenile and adult Nurse Sharks have slightlyly different coloration. Nurse Sharks are a light tan to dark brown with juveniles having small black spots. Nurse Shark can grow to almost 14'.

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 1000 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietLive FoodLive Food DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food
  • Habitat: HabitatPlantedPlanted
  • Light: LightHighHigh