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Distribution : Red Sea, Indian Ocean and tropical western and central Pacific, including the Maldives.
The tawny nurse shark reveals a way of life different from that of sharks constantly on the move. It uses reef shelters by day and mainly searches for prey at night. Its habitat extends from the surface to 70 metres.
Habitat
Sand, Coral reef, Rocky habitat
Depth
0-70 m
Group
Role
Large predator
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WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
A blunt head, nasal barbels and two rear-set dorsal fins distinguish this shark. Large individuals are tawny to grey-brown, lacking the spots of very young sharks. Published maximum length is about 3.2 metres.
WHERE DOES IT LIVE?
Its range includes the Red Sea, Indian Ocean and parts of the tropical Pacific. Reefs, cavities and sand provide daytime shelters and feeding grounds. Frequently used depths are shallower than the published 70-metre limit.
WHAT DOES IT EAT?
This predator takes small fishes and bottom-dwelling invertebrates, including crustaceans, cephalopods and sea urchins. Suction feeding helps exploit narrow refuges. The animal travelling beneath its belly is not evidence of a feeding event.
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Habitat 
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Group 
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