July is shark month and we are celebrating the wonderful differences these species exhibit.
Having looked at the fascinating wobbegong last week, we now turn our attention to the amazing nurse shark.
The nurse shark is one that dispels the myth all these creatures are dangerous.
Such is their relaxed nature, they are hugely popular sight on itineraries such as our Best of Maldives trip.
They are a real highlight and fairly simple to get a good view of, as Emperor Leo boat manager Jules Latrille explains.
“Nurse shark are such interesting species,” he says.
“They are pretty poor swimmers and very engaging which allows the divers to have a really good look at the different behaviour, beautiful skin coloration and unusual shape.
“I found it very cool to look at them scratching their skin in the sand and rolling their body around to remove parasites.
“I think the most interesting scene I saw with nurse shark is on the dive site Alimatha (Vaavu Atoll) during a sunset dive. Two nurse sharks started to swim in a circle. Suddenly they started to swim faster and the male tried to bite on to the pectoral fins of the female in an aggressive way. They were trying to mate.
“It took a long time for the male to manage to keep the female steady. She was trying to avoid the male by hiding the fins in the sand. Eventually the male managed to keep the female in the same position and start to mate.
“Meanwhile other male nurse sharks were swimming around in very close circle and seems to almost protect them. The scene lasted the whole dive. It was very special for me to see that as it is a very rare occasion.”
Jules is absolutely right. Nurse sharks, scientifically known as Ginglymostoma cirratum, are captivating creatures.
Unlike the often misunderstood aggressive nature of many shark species, nurse sharks are notably docile and slow-moving.
They are typically nocturnal hunters, spending their nights foraging for small fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. During the day, they can often be found resting in large groups in crevices and on sandy sea floors.
It is this sedentary daytime behaviour makes them a popular attraction for divers.
Nurse sharks can grow up to 14 feet in length and weigh around 330 pounds, although they are more commonly found to be smaller. They have distinctive physical features, including a broad, flat head, small eyes, and two rounded dorsal fins. Their skin is tough and covered with tiny, tooth-like structures called dermal denticles, which provide protection and reduce drag in the water.
One of the most interesting aspects of nurse sharks is their method of breathing. Unlike many other shark species that need to keep moving to breathe, nurse sharks can pump water over their gills, allowing them to rest on the sea floor for extended periods. This adaptation not only conserves their energy but also allows them to ambush prey more effectively.
Despite their generally peaceful nature, nurse sharks should still be respected in their natural habitat. While they are not typically dangerous to humans, provocation or accidental contact can result in defensive bites.
An intriguing creature, the blend of gentle behaviour and fascinating adaptations continue to captivate all who see them.
If you want to experience the magic of diving with nurse sharks have look at our Maldives itineraries to find out more of contact our team on [email protected] if you have any questions