The Grey Nurse Shark, also known in the USA as the sand tiger shark and in South Africa as the spotted ragged-tooth shark, is one of four species belonging to the family Odontaspididae. The species has a large, rather stout body and is coloured grey to grey-brown dorsally, with a paler off white under belly. Reddish or brownish spots may occur on the caudal fin and posterior half of the body, particularly in juveniles.

The species has a conical snout, long awl-like teeth in both jaws (with single lateral cusplets), similarly sized first and second dorsal fins and an asymmetrical caudal fin. Grey Nurse Sharks grow to at least 360 cm total. The Grey Nurse Shark is a slow but strong swimmer and is thought to be more active at night.

Make sure you have a look at our Anatomy and Teeth page for more information.