Nurse Shark
Ginglymostoma cirratum
Sighting evidence at Les Mamelles Reef, Senegal
Photo: Rafael de la Parra · CC BY-NC
Nurse sharks are the quintessential resting reef shark of Senegalese waters, typically found in small groups tucked beneath coral ledges and boulder formations during daytime. They are nocturnal hunters that feed on crustaceans and small fish using powerful suction, and their presence here reflects a healthy invertebrate prey base. Unlike oceanic sharks, nurse sharks are sedentary and highly site-faithful, making these reefs reliably productive for close encounters.
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.