scubaseason

Nurse shark

Ginglymostoma cirratum

Sighting evidence at Danger Reef, Exuma Cays

Bottom-dwelling, largely nocturnal sharks that spend much of the day resting in groups under coral ledges or on sandy substrate. Nurse sharks are identifiable by their broad, flattened heads, small eyes, and twin nasal barbels used to sense prey in sand and rubble. They feed on crustaceans, molluscs, and small fish, using powerful suction to extract prey from crevices. Among the least threatening sharks to divers — slow-moving, benign, and tolerant of close approach when resting. They should not be handled; bites from provoked individuals, while rare, are powerful.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Nurse shark is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites