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Nurse shark
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Albian to Present[1]
Ginglymostoma cirratum Conservation status Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Subclass: Elasmobranchii
Order: Orectolobiformes
Family: Ginglymostomatidae
Genus: Ginglymostoma
Müller and Henle, 1837 Binomial name Ginglymostoma cirratum
(Bonnaterre, 1788)
Range of nurse shark (in blue) The nurse shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum, is a shark in the nurse sharks (Ginglymostomatidae) family, the only member of its genus Ginglymostoma. Nurse sharks can reach a length of 4.3 m (14 ft) and a weight of 330 lbs (150 kg).[2]
Contents
[hide]
The nurse shark family name, Ginglymostomatidae, derives from the Greek: from γίγγλυμος meaning hinge and στῶμα meaning mouth. Cirratum also derives from Greek, meaning curl or swim
[edit] Distribution and habitat
The nurse shark is a common inshore bottom-dwelling shark, found in tropical and subtropical waters on the continental and insular shelves. It is frequently found at depths of one metre or less but may occur down to 12 m. Its common habitats are reefs, channels between mangrove islands and sand flats. It occurs in the Western Atlantic from Rhode Island down to southern Brazil; in the Eastern Atlantic from Cameroon to Gabon (and possibly ranges further north and south); in the Eastern Pacific from the southern Baja California to Peru; and around the islands of the Caribbean.[3]
[edit] Behavior and diet
Nurse sharks are nocturnal animals, spending the day in large inactive groups of up to 40 individuals. Hidden under submerged ledges or in crevices within the reef, the nurse sharks seem to prefer specific resting sites and will return to them each day after the night's hunting. By night, the sharks are largely solitary; they spend most of their time rifling through the bottom sediments in search of food. Their diet consists primarily of crustaceans, molluscs, tunicates, sea snakes, and other fish, particularly stingrays.
They are thought to take advantage of dormant fish which would otherwise be too fast for the sharks to catch; although their small mouths limit the size of prey items, the sharks have large throat cavities which are used as a sort of bellows valve. In this way nurse sharks are able to suck in their prey. Nurse sharks are also known to graze algae and coral.
Nurse sharks have been observed resting on the bottom with their bodies supported on their fins, possibly providing a false shelter for crustaceans which they then ambush and eat.[3]
Nurse sharks are able to respire while stationary by pumping water through their mouths and out gills.
[edit] Reproduction
The mating season runs from late June to the end of July. Nurse sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning the eggs develop and hatch within the body of the female where the hatchlings develop further until live birth occurs. The gestation period is six months, with a typical litter of 21 - 28 pups.[3] The mating cycle is biennial, as it takes 18 months for the female's ovaries to produce another batch of eggs, during which time, cannibalistic behavior can occur. The young nurse sharks are born fully developed at about 30 cm long in Ginglymostoma cirratum. They possess a spotted coloration which fades with age.
[edit] Interaction with humans
The nurse shark is not widely commercially fished, but because of its sluggish behaviour it is an easy target for local fisheries. Its skin is exceptionally tough and is prized for leather; its flesh is consumed fresh and salted and its liver is utilised for oil. It is not taken as a game fish. It has been reported in some unprovoked attacks on humans but is not generally perceived as a threat.[3]
Juvenile nurse sharks are sometimes sold in the saltwater aquarium trade.[4] However, since nurse sharks attain lengths in excess of ten feet they are far too large to be kept in home aquaria.[4] In an article for Aquarium Fish Magazine, Scott W. Michael criticizes the ethics of aquarists attempting to keep species beyond their spatial and financial means.[4] He also notes that most public aquaria are not interested in taking specimens that have outgrown home aquaria and that they should "never" be released into the wild.[4]
[edit] Gallery
Nurse shark near Ambergris Caye, Belize
Nurse shark near Ambergris Caye, Belize
Nurse shark with attached remoras
Nurse shark in an aquarium
Nurse sharks at the bottom of Mayan Temple Water Slides at Atlantis
Top down view of a nurse shark in an aquarium.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Albian to Present[1]
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Subclass: Elasmobranchii
Order: Orectolobiformes
Family: Ginglymostomatidae
Genus: Ginglymostoma
Müller and Henle, 1837 Binomial name Ginglymostoma cirratum
(Bonnaterre, 1788)
Contents
[hide]
- 1 Taxonomy
- 2 Distribution and habitat
- 3 Behavior and diet
- 4 Reproduction
- 5 Interaction with humans
- 6 Gallery
- 7 See also
- 8 References
- 9 External links
The nurse shark family name, Ginglymostomatidae, derives from the Greek: from γίγγλυμος meaning hinge and στῶμα meaning mouth. Cirratum also derives from Greek, meaning curl or swim
[edit] Distribution and habitat
The nurse shark is a common inshore bottom-dwelling shark, found in tropical and subtropical waters on the continental and insular shelves. It is frequently found at depths of one metre or less but may occur down to 12 m. Its common habitats are reefs, channels between mangrove islands and sand flats. It occurs in the Western Atlantic from Rhode Island down to southern Brazil; in the Eastern Atlantic from Cameroon to Gabon (and possibly ranges further north and south); in the Eastern Pacific from the southern Baja California to Peru; and around the islands of the Caribbean.[3]
[edit] Behavior and diet
Nurse sharks are nocturnal animals, spending the day in large inactive groups of up to 40 individuals. Hidden under submerged ledges or in crevices within the reef, the nurse sharks seem to prefer specific resting sites and will return to them each day after the night's hunting. By night, the sharks are largely solitary; they spend most of their time rifling through the bottom sediments in search of food. Their diet consists primarily of crustaceans, molluscs, tunicates, sea snakes, and other fish, particularly stingrays.
They are thought to take advantage of dormant fish which would otherwise be too fast for the sharks to catch; although their small mouths limit the size of prey items, the sharks have large throat cavities which are used as a sort of bellows valve. In this way nurse sharks are able to suck in their prey. Nurse sharks are also known to graze algae and coral.
Nurse sharks have been observed resting on the bottom with their bodies supported on their fins, possibly providing a false shelter for crustaceans which they then ambush and eat.[3]
Nurse sharks are able to respire while stationary by pumping water through their mouths and out gills.
[edit] Reproduction
The mating season runs from late June to the end of July. Nurse sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning the eggs develop and hatch within the body of the female where the hatchlings develop further until live birth occurs. The gestation period is six months, with a typical litter of 21 - 28 pups.[3] The mating cycle is biennial, as it takes 18 months for the female's ovaries to produce another batch of eggs, during which time, cannibalistic behavior can occur. The young nurse sharks are born fully developed at about 30 cm long in Ginglymostoma cirratum. They possess a spotted coloration which fades with age.
[edit] Interaction with humans
The nurse shark is not widely commercially fished, but because of its sluggish behaviour it is an easy target for local fisheries. Its skin is exceptionally tough and is prized for leather; its flesh is consumed fresh and salted and its liver is utilised for oil. It is not taken as a game fish. It has been reported in some unprovoked attacks on humans but is not generally perceived as a threat.[3]
Juvenile nurse sharks are sometimes sold in the saltwater aquarium trade.[4] However, since nurse sharks attain lengths in excess of ten feet they are far too large to be kept in home aquaria.[4] In an article for Aquarium Fish Magazine, Scott W. Michael criticizes the ethics of aquarists attempting to keep species beyond their spatial and financial means.[4] He also notes that most public aquaria are not interested in taking specimens that have outgrown home aquaria and that they should "never" be released into the wild.[4]
[edit] Gallery
Nurse shark near Ambergris Caye, Belize
Nurse shark near Ambergris Caye, Belize
Nurse shark with attached remoras
Nurse shark in an aquarium
Nurse sharks at the bottom of Mayan Temple Water Slides at Atlantis
Top down view of a nurse shark in an aquarium.
Tiger shark
Early Eocene to Present
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Subclass: Elasmobranchii
Order: Carcharhiniformes
Family: Carcharhinidae
Genus: Galeocerdo
Müller & Henle, 1837 Species: G. cuvier
Binomial name Galeocerdo cuvier
Péron & Lesueur, 1822
Galeocerdo tigrinus Müller and Henle, 1837
The tiger shark, Galeocerdo cuvier, is a species of requiem shark and the only member of the genus Galeocerdo. Tiger sharks are relatively large macropredators, capable of attaining a length of over 5 m (16 ft).[3] This shark typically reaches maturity at lengths of 2 to 3 m (6.6 to 9.8 ft).[4][5] It is found in many tropical and temperate oceans, and is especially common around central Pacific islands. Its name derives from the dark stripes down its body, which resemble a tiger's pattern and fade as the shark matures.
The tiger shark is a solitary, mostly night-time hunter. Its diet involves a wide range of prey, including fish, seals, birds, smaller sharks, squid, turtles, sea snakes, and dolphins.
While the tiger shark is considered to be one of the sharks most dangerous to humans, the attack rate is surprisingly low according to researchers[6]. The tiger is second on the list of number of recorded attacks on humans, with the great white shark being first.[7][8][9]. They often visit shallow reefs, harbours and canals, creating the potential for encounter with humans.
Tiger sharks are considered a near threatened species due to excessive finning and fishing by humans.
Contents
[hide]
- 1 Taxonomy
- 2 Range and habitat
- 3 Anatomy and appearance
- 4 Diet
- 5 Reproduction
- 6 Dangers and conservation
- 7 Mythology
- 8 See also
- 9 References
- 10 External links
The shark was first described by Peron and Lessueur in 1822, and was given the name Squalus cuvier.[10] Müller and Henle, in 1837 renamed it Galeocerdo tigrinus.[4] The genus, Galeocerdo, is derived from the Greek, galeos which means shark and the Latin cerdus which means the hard hairs of pigs.[4] It is often colloquially called the man-eater shark.[4]
The tiger shark is a member of the order Carcharhiniformes;[10] members of this order are characterized by the presence of a nictitating membrane over the eyes, two dorsal fins, an anal fin, and five gill slits. It is the largest member of the Carcharhinidae family, commonly referred to as requiem sharks. This family includes some other well-known sharks such as the blue shark, lemon shark and bull shark.
[edit] Range and habitat
The tiger shark is often found close to the coast, in mainly tropical and sub-tropical waters worldwide,[7] though they can reside in temperate waters. Along with the Great White shark, Pacific sleeper shark, Greenland shark and sixgill shark, tiger sharks are among the largest extant sharks.[4] The shark's behavior is primarily nomadic, but is guided by warmer currents, and it stays closer to the equator throughout the colder months. The shark tends to stay in deep waters that line reefs but does move into channels to pursue prey in shallower waters. In the western Pacific Ocean, the shark has been found as far north as Japan and as far south as New Zealand.[11]
Tiger sharks has been recorded at depths just shy of 900 metres (3,000 ft)[4] but is also known to move into shallow water - water that is normally thought to be too shallow for a species of its size.
[edit] Anatomy and appearance
Juvenile tiger shark in the Bahamas
[edit] Size
One of the largest sharks in existence, the tiger shark commonly attains a length of 3 to 4.2 m (9.8 to 13.8 ft) and weighs around 385–635 kilograms (849–1,400 lb).[4] The largest specimen yet reported was a gigantic female caught in 1957. This specimen was 7.4 m (24 ft) long and weighed 3,110 kilograms (6,900 lb).[3]
[edit] Biology
Tiger sharks' skins can typically range from blue to light green with a white or light yellow underbelly. Dark spots and stripes are most visible in young sharks and fade as the shark matures. Its head is somewhat wedge-shaped, which makes it easy to turn quickly to one side. Tiger sharks have small pits on the side of their upper bodies which hold electroreceptors called the ampullae of Lorenzini, enabling them to detect electric fields, including the bio-electricity generated by prey. Tiger sharks also have a sensory organ called a lateral line which extends on their flanks down most of the length of their sides. The primary role of this structure is to detect minute vibrations in the water. These adaptations allow the Tiger shark to hunt in darkness and detect hidden prey. A reflective layer behind the Tiger shark's retina called the tapetum lucidum allows light-sensing cells a second chance to capture photons of visible light, enhancing vision in low light conditions. A tiger shark generally has long fins to provide lift as the shark maneuvers through water. Its long upper tail provides bursts of speed. Tigers normally swim using small body movements. Its high back and dorsal fin act as a pivot, allowing it to spin quickly on its axis. Its dorsal fins are distinctively close to its tail.
Its teeth are specialized to slice through flesh, bone, and other tough substances such as turtle shells, and unusually among sharks, its upper and lower teeth have dissimilar shapes. Like most sharks, however, its teeth are continually replaced by rows of new teeth.
[edit] Diet
The tiger shark is an apex predator,[12] and has a reputation for eating anything.[4] It also possesses the capability to take on large prey.[12] It commonly preys upon: fish (e.g. Teleost[12]), crustaceans,[12] mollusks,[12] dugongs,[12] seabirds,[12] seasnakes,[12] marine mammals (e.g. bottlenose dolphins,[13] spotted dolphins[14]), and sea turtles (e.g. green turtles[15] and loggerhead turtles[15]). The broad, heavily calcified jaws and nearly terminal mouth, combined with robust, serrated teeth enable the tiger shark to take on large prey like sea turtles and marine mammals.[16] In addition, excellent eyesight and its acute sense of smell enable it to react to faint traces of blood and follow them to the source. Due to high risk of predatory attacks, dolphins often avoid regions inhabited by tiger sharks.[16]
Tiger sharks also attack injured or ailing whales and prey upon them. A group of tiger sharks were once documented attacking and killing an ailing Humpback whale, in 2006, near Hawaii.[17] Tiger sharks also scavenge on dead whales. In one such documented incident, tiger sharks were observed scavenging on a whale carcass alongside great white sharks, Carcharodon carcharias.[18]
The ability to pick up low-frequency pressure waves enables the shark to advance towards an animal with confidence, even in murky water.[19] The shark circles its prey and studies it by prodding it with its snout.[19] When attacking, the shark often eats its prey whole.[19] Because of its aggressive feeding, it often mistakenly eats inedible objects, such as automobile license plates, oil cans, tires, and baseballs. For this reason, the tiger shark is often regarded as the ocean's "Garbage can".[20]
[edit] Swimming efficiency and stealth
Tiger sharks generally swim slowly, which, combined with cryptic coloration, may make them difficult for prey to detect in some habitats. Tiger sharks are specially well camouflaged against dark backgrounds.[16] Despite their sluggish appearance, tiger sharks are one of the strongest swimmers of the carcharhinid sharks. Once the shark has come close, a speed burst allows it to reach the intended prey before it can escape.[16]
[edit] Reproduction
Males reach sexual maturity at 2.3 to 2.9 m (7.5 to 9.5 ft) and females at 2.5 to 3.5 m (8.2 to 11 ft).[5] Females mate once every 3 years.[20] They breed by internal fertilization: the male inserts one of his claspers into the female's genital opening (cloaca), acting as a guide for the sperm. The male uses its teeth to hold the female still during the procedure, often causing the female considerable discomfort. Mating in the northern hemisphere generally takes place between March and May, with birth between April and June the following year. In the southern hemisphere, mating takes place in November, December, or early January. The tiger is the only species in its family that is ovoviviparous; its eggs hatch internally and the young are born live when fully developed.[4]
The young develop inside the mother's body for up to 16 months. Litters range from 10 to 80 pups.[4] A newborn is generally 51 centimetres (20 in) to 76 centimetres (30 in) long[4]. It is unknown how long tiger sharks live, but they can live longer than 12 years.[20]
[edit] Dangers and conservation
A tiger shark caught in Kāneʻohe Bay, Oʻahu in 1966
Although shark attacks are a relatively rare phenomenon, the tiger is responsible for a large percentage of fatal attacks, and is regarded as one of the most dangerous shark species.[8][21] Tiger sharks are often found in river estuaries and harbours, as well as shallow water close to shore, where they are bound to encounter humans. Tiger sharks also dwell in river mouths and other runoff-rich water.[4][5]. 3 to 4 shark attacks occur per year on average in Hawaii and most attacks are non-fatal. This attack rate is surprisingly low considering that thousands of people swim, surf and dive in Hawaiian waters every day.[22]
Between 1959 and 1976, 4,668 tiger sharks were culled in an effort to protect the tourism industry. Despite these efforts attacks did not decrease. It is illegal to feed sharks in Hawaii, and interaction with them, such as cage diving, is discouraged.[23] South African shark scientist Mark Addison demonstrated that they could be tamed somewhat in a 2007 Discovery Channel special.[24]
The tiger shark is captured and killed for its fins, flesh, liver. It is caught regularly in target and non-target fisheries. There is evidence of declines for several populations where they have been heavily fished, but in general they do not face a high risk of extinction. However, continued demand, especially for fins, may result in further declines in the future. Tiger sharks are considered a near threatened species due to excessive finning and fishing by humans according to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).[25]
While shark fin has very little nutrients, shark liver has a high concentration of vitamin A which is used in the production of vitamin oils. In addition, the tiger shark is captured and killed for its distinct skin, as well as by big game fishers.[4]
In 2010, Greenpeace International has added the tiger shark to its seafood red list. "The Greenpeace International seafood red list is a list of fish that are commonly sold in supermarkets around the world, and which have a very high risk of being sourced from unsustainable fisheries."[26]
[edit] Mythology
Tiger sharks are considered to be sacred nā ʻaumākua (ancestor spirits) by some native Hawaiians, who think their eyeballs have special seeing powers. This aligns with the general known facts about sharks and their highly developed senses.
and yeah i think great whites are a little hyped up, but that mostly comes from jaws...which was a classic movie you have to give it that...no one else has attempted a shark horror movie....
they do get pretty huge tho
but i heard great whites aint even all that common out there anymore
@p.ellz yeah i always liked hammerheads too....that whole two eyes looking different ways shit is sick...but i dont think hammerheads are that dangerous..i think they head butt or some shit
they do get pretty huge tho
but i heard great whites aint even all that common out there anymore
@p.ellz yeah i always liked hammerheads too....that whole two eyes looking different ways shit is sick...but i dont think hammerheads are that dangerous..i think they head butt or some shit
Yeah, I mean you dont get hype like that for nothing, theyre beasts no doubt. But Im sayin the Tigers are out there, and theyll take a leg off real quick.
But yeah, Jaws is a classic...I just think great whites is the "automatic answer" like, if you ask someone that doesnt know sports to name a basketball player theyre gonna say "Michael Jordan"
But yeah, Jaws is a classic...I just think great whites is the "automatic answer" like, if you ask someone that doesnt know sports to name a basketball player theyre gonna say "Michael Jordan"
agreed...its a 'bob marleys my favorite reggae artist" answer..you throw it out cuz you dont know about sharks....
i always thought that their sense of smell was ill...like being able to smell drops of blood in water...thats like a bloodhound in the water and shit...
i remember goign to sea world and theyd have like the great whites jaw with the teeth, shit is so huge.....getting killed by a gigantic shark would have to suck..
theres a surfer out here that got her leg bit off by a shark and shes still surfing with one leg...smh..i woulda been out that water forever if my leg got ganked
i always thought that their sense of smell was ill...like being able to smell drops of blood in water...thats like a bloodhound in the water and shit...
i remember goign to sea world and theyd have like the great whites jaw with the teeth, shit is so huge.....getting killed by a gigantic shark would have to suck..
theres a surfer out here that got her leg bit off by a shark and shes still surfing with one leg...smh..i woulda been out that water forever if my leg got ganked
Fuck it then: Lets Make the Worlds Longest Thread Ever
...be there, or be square.
http://siccness.net/vb/showthread.php?t=299719&page=9609
...be there, or be square.
http://siccness.net/vb/showthread.php?t=299719&page=9609