Nebrius ferrugineus

(Lesson, 1831)

Vernacular names
English : Tawny nurse shark
French : Requin nourrice fauve

Classification
Class : Elasmobranchii
Order : Orectolobiformes
Family : Ginglymostomatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species can grow up to 3,20 m (normally to 2,50 m). Bulky body with no lateral ridges, wedge-shaped snout. Asymmetrical caudal fin. Coloration tan, paler on belly. Dusky fins, very light blotching on belly sometimes visible.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in the Indo-Pacific area, from Red Sea and East Africa to south Japan, Australia and east to French Polynesia. Lives in continental and insular shelves, in the intertidal zone, to 70 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has a large range. It is heavily captured by fisheries in most of its range except Australia. Furthermore, it has a very low fecundity.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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