What's on the move

Greynurse shark

Carcharias taurus

(Image credit: Rudie Kuiter / Aquatic Photographics)

Large sluggish sharks that are usually seen swimming near the bottom, often in sandy gutters, under large overhangs or in large caves. Once common along the south coast, Grey Nurse sharks all but disappeared as a result of overfishing, including spear-fishing. Although generally considered harmless, can be dangerous if provoked.

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Vulnerable

Length: Up to 3.2 m

Habitat

Rocky reefs, sandy gutters, under large overhangs or in large caves; 1-190 m depth

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Log this species wherever it is spotted in Victorian waters

Related links/info

Species names on the Redmap site are based on the Codes for Australian Aquatic Biota or CAAB (http://www.cmar.csiro.au/caab/).

Redmap species descriptions were based on the following resources. Edgar, G.J. 2008. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Sydney : Reed New Holland 2, 624 pp.

Gomon. M.F., Bray, D.J. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds). Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Sydney : Reed New Holland 928 pp.

Find further imformation and images at FISHES OF AUSTRALIA http://www.fishesofaustralia.net.au/

Number of sightings 3

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