Nurse Shark

{
  "id": "4410a442-08c7-404a-9415-bc3abba1d475",
  "commonName": "Nurse Shark",
  "scientificName": "Ginglymostoma cirratum",
  "slug": "nurse-shark",
  "category": "saltwater",
  "aliases": [
    "Grey Nurse Shark",
    "Gata",
    "Cat Shark",
    "Reef Shark (incorrect, but locally used)",
    "Ground Shark"
  ],
  "description": "The nurse shark is a bottom-dwelling species, instantly recognizable by its stout, broad body and a pair of characteristic, whisker-like barbels that dangle from its nostrils. Typically reaching lengths of 7.5 to 9 feet, it presents in various shades of yellowish-tan to dark brown, with a uniformly smooth skin lacking dramatic patterns. Its pectoral fins are notably broad and paddle-like, and its tail fin sports an elongated upper lobe. While formidable in size, its relatively small mouth and catfish-like barbels are its most distinguishing features when seen up close, separating it from other large coastal sharks.",
  "imageUrl": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/species/nurse-shark/main.webp",
  "hero": {
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    "altText": "Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) watercolor",
    "caption": "The nurse shark is a bottom-dwelling species, instantly recognizable by its stout, broad body and a pair of characteristic, whisker-like barbels that dangle from its nostrils.",
    "width": 2400,
    "height": 1340
  },
  "phases": [
    {
      "id": "aa6c7832-c75b-4705-a537-74bab1b1572c",
      "name": "Adult",
      "slug": "adult",
      "description": "The adult nurse shark is the quintessential bottom-dwelling coastal shark, spending its days resting in caves, under ledges, or on sandy flats, and becoming more active at night to hunt for crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. It is a slow-moving, generally docile resident of tropical and subtropical waters, known for its tenacious strength when hooked despite its lethargic daytime demeanor.",
      "appearance": "A stout, broad-bodied shark with a blunt, rounded snout. The body color is a uniform yellowish-tan to dark brown, with a paler, sometimes off-white underside. The skin is smooth, lacking dramatic patterns or spots. The most distinctive features are the two long, whisker-like barbels (nasal cirri) that hang from the nostrils, and the broad, paddle-shaped pectoral fins. The tail fin has a notably elongated upper lobe and lacks a lower lobe of significant size. Adults range from 7.5 to 9 feet in length, though they can reach over 10 feet. The mouth is relatively small, positioned well behind the eyes, and contains rows of small, serrated teeth.",
      "triggers": null,
      "habitat": "Shallow, coastal tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific. Found on coral reefs, rocky bottoms, in mangrove channels, on sandy flats, and especially in caves and under ledges, typically at depths from intertidal zones down to about 130 feet.",
      "anglersNote": "The primary phase encountered by anglers, often caught by bottom fishing. Known for a powerful, dogged fight despite its slow speed, and should be handled with respect due to its ability to bite and cling tenaciously if provoked.",
      "displayOrder": 0,
      "imageUrl": null,
      "media": null
    }
  ],
  "contentUpdatedAt": "2026-05-09T22:33:19.181Z"
}

[]

[
  {
    "id": "5eebc1c0-7b83-4e05-a28d-6a902fc86608",
    "question": "What are the key identifying features of a nurse shark?",
    "answer": "Nurse sharks are recognized by their stout bodies, whisker-like barbels on their nostrils, broad pectoral fins, and an elongated upper lobe on their tail fin. They typically range from yellowish-tan to dark brown.",
    "sortOrder": 0
  },
  {
    "id": "e2c0cb8b-bd12-4c55-8a33-4174751f46b5",
    "question": "Where do nurse sharks live?",
    "answer": "Nurse sharks inhabit shallow, coastal tropical and subtropical waters in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific. They are found on coral reefs, rocky bottoms, in mangrove channels, on sandy flats, and especially in caves and under ledges.",
    "sortOrder": 1
  },
  {
    "id": "9cc16fb4-4dfd-4465-9e4f-ccaeaa0dfe4f",
    "question": "What is the typical habitat depth for nurse sharks?",
    "answer": "Nurse sharks are typically found at depths ranging from intertidal zones down to about 130 feet.",
    "sortOrder": 2
  },
  {
    "id": "d5e7bf45-172e-4aa8-a1d2-63ee8dd51630",
    "question": "When are nurse sharks most active?",
    "answer": "Nurse sharks are bottom-dwellers that spend their days resting and become more active at night to hunt for food.",
    "sortOrder": 3
  },
  {
    "id": "77c6ad7e-e15b-4066-a950-6fe86b582833",
    "question": "How should anglers handle a hooked nurse shark?",
    "answer": "Nurse sharks are known for a powerful, dogged fight. Handle them with respect due to their ability to bite and cling tenaciously if provoked.",
    "sortOrder": 4
  }
]

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  "title": null,
  "description": "Nurse shark identification and fishing tips. Learn about this bottom-dwelling coastal shark, its habitat in tropical and subtropical waters, and how to fish for it.",
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  "ogDescription": "The Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) is a bottom-dweller with distinctive barbels. Learn where to find them in tropical and subtropical coastal waters and how to target this tenacious fighter.",
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    "ginglymostoma cirratum",
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    "reef shark (incorrect, but locally used)",
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