Bahamas Nurse Sharks
When it comes to scuba diving or snorkeling Freeport Bahamas is a world class location. There are many different fish and aquatic mammals that can be spotted in the surrounding waters, but one of the most breathtaking is the nurse shark. Nurse sharks are surprisingly calm and non-aggressive, despite their size and the fearsome reputation held by sharks in general. In fact, this bottom dwelling species is an ideal one to spot on either a snorkeling trip or a dive, as they love warm shallow waters and can often be found resting or feeding near reefs or on the sandy bottom of the ocean, the same places divers like to explore.
Nurse Shark Physical Features:
Though nurse sharks can grow to as much as 14 feet long and weigh several hundred pounds, they can also be as small as just 3 feet long. Pups are born fully formed and continue to grow about half a foot a year for 15-20 years, until they reach sexual maturity. Their size is definitely intimidating to any divers who don't already know how docile and non-aggressive this breed of shark is. Females are slightly larger than males. Their gentle personality is even reflected in their skin, which unlike almost every other shark species is smooth rather than rough to the touch. However, any softness in their appearance ends there. With row after row of replaceable teeth and a long, powerful body, the nurse shark is one gentle giant that shouldn't be messed with.
Nurse sharks are a dark gray or brown color, and are sometimes covered in a beautiful spotted pattern. They are closely related to whale sharks, though much smaller. Nurse sharks have an unusually long tail fin, adding to their elegant appearance, as well as two rounded dorsal fins on their back. They also have barbels, which look somewhat like whiskers, near the sides of their mouth which help them to hunt. This breed has been spotted using its pectoral fins to scoot along the ocean bottom.
Nurse sharks are a dark gray or brown color, and are sometimes covered in a beautiful spotted pattern. They are closely related to whale sharks, though much smaller. Nurse sharks have an unusually long tail fin, adding to their elegant appearance, as well as two rounded dorsal fins on their back. They also have barbels, which look somewhat like whiskers, near the sides of their mouth which help them to hunt. This breed has been spotted using its pectoral fins to scoot along the ocean bottom.
Nurse Shark Habitat:
Grass flats, coral reefs, and other shallow coastal marine waters are the favorite resting and hunting places of the nurse shark. They also prefer warm tropical waters, but aside from this can range greatly. There are populations of nurse sharks found near the central African coastline, off countries such as Nigeria or Liberia. They are also plentiful off the coastlines of Central, South and North America, though they generally stay somewhat near to the equator.
Nurse Shark Eating Habits:
The nurse shark is a nocturnal hunter, making it easier for them to go after normally quick moving diurnal fish. In addition to fish, they like to eat crustaceans and mollusks, among other things. Their mouths are comparatively small, but they have a strong suction that they use to suck in prey. They are able to suck snails and conches right out of their shells. They will hunt among coral reefs or scoot along the ocean bottom looking or prey, but as long as they are left alone divers are safe with them.