Video Summary

Nurse sharks, belonging to the genus Ginglymostoma, possess a distinctive anatomy well-suited to their benthic lifestyle. Their bodies are robust and somewhat flattened dorsoventrally, facilitating movement along the ocean floor. They have broad, flattened heads with small, widely spaced eyes, reflecting their reliance on other senses for hunting. Their coloration is typically brownish-gray, providing excellent camouflage in their environment. Unlike many sharks, nurse sharks have relatively small mouths located at the anterior end of their heads. Their dentition consists of small, pavement-like teeth ideal for crushing prey such as crustaceans and mollusks. Their skin is covered in dermal denticles, providing protection and reducing drag. Nurse sharks have five gill slits located on the sides of their heads, followed by two dorsal fins, a large caudal fin, and pectoral and pelvic fins for maneuvering. Their olfactory senses are highly developed, aiding in locating prey. Internally, they have a typical shark anatomy, including a two-chambered heart and specialized organs for osmoregulation.