Nurse sharks
Tawny nurse shark (Nebrius ferrugineus)
The Tawny nurse shark (Nebrius ferrugineus) belongs to the family Ginglymostomatidae (nurse sharks) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen in groups or alone. It reaches about 250 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Vulnerable. Treat it with caution (caution): do not touch or handle it.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Nebrius ferrugineus |
|---|---|
| Family | Nurse sharks (Ginglymostomatidae) |
| Common name (IT) | Squalo nutrice tawny |
| Common name (EN) | Tawny nurse shark |
| Maximum size | 250 cm |
| Depth | 1–50 m |
| Distribution | Red Sea and Indo-Pacific |
| IUCN status | VU — Vulnerable |
| Hazard | Caution |
Description
Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.
Diving hazard — Caution: keep your distance, and never touch, corner or feed it.
Where it lives
Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.
- Red Sea
- Indo-Pacific
Diving safety
Caution. This is a predator or a fish with a strong bite. It is not looking for people — watch from a distance, do not touch, chase or feed it.
If it happens
- For a bite: leave the water, control bleeding with direct pressure, clean the wound.
After
- Marine bites infect readily — seek medical care and tetanus cover.
Frequently asked questions
- What family does the Tawny nurse shark belong to?
- The Tawny nurse shark (Nebrius ferrugineus) belongs to the family Ginglymostomatidae (nurse sharks).
- Is the Tawny nurse shark dangerous?
- It needs caution: Caution. Keep your distance and do not touch or handle it.
- Is the Tawny nurse shark endemic to the Red Sea?
- No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
- How big does the Tawny nurse shark get?
- It reaches a maximum length of about 250 cm.
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