An observation was made that it would appear that those sharks which spend their days in caves are light in color, while those which remain in full sun exposure become darker. This species is commonly between 6.5' and 10' in length. Some up to 14' have been found. These sharks can be found in the Eastern Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. They are the only species of carpet shark to inhabit the Atlantic.
Nurse sharks are nocturnal, bottom dwelling, inshore sharks found in lagoons and outer reefs.
They lay motionless on the bottom with their head in a crevice or cavern. They are known to use the same crevice or cavern for long periods of time. Feeding This shark's diet consists mainly of whatever can be found. It usually includes sea urchins, crabs, octopus, squid, crustaceans, snails, bivalves and fish. They feed frequently and do so by placing their mouth in the closest possible proximity to a prey, opening the mouth with a vacuum force substantial enough to suck the prey from the safety of its refuge.