General Description

Large, stout shark with a short, flattened bluntly-pointed snout; dorsal, pelvic and anal fins of similar size; jaws with rows of large sharp, slender teeth. Greyish-brown above, paler below, sometimes with scattered spots or blotches. To 3.2 m.

Biology

Slow-swimming sharks that feed on fishes, mostly near the bottom. They are very rare in Victorian waters. In the past, Grey Nurse Sharks were indiscriminately killed, including during the latter half of the nineteenth century in Victoria when a bounty was placed on them. Although considered harmless, Grey Nurse Sharks could attack and should never be provoked.

Habitat

From shallow coastal waters to a depth of 190 m.

Open water

Distribution guide

Around Australia.

Species Group

Sharks and rays › Sharks

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

Midwater

Max Size

3.2 m

Diet

Carnivore

Harmful

Although not usually considered dangerous to humans, has the potential to bite.

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Data Deficient
• EPBC Act 1999 : Vulnerable
• IUCN Red List : Vulnerable