The Ginglymostoma cirratum, commonly known as the nurse shark, is a slow-moving bottom-dweller found in warm, shallow waters of the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Oceans. It features a broad, flat head and barbels near its mouth, aiding in prey detection. Typically nocturnal, it feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Nurse sharks are known for their docile nature but can be aggressive if provoked.

The Ginglymostoma cirratum, commonly known as the nurse shark, is native to the warm, shallow waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean. Its geographical distribution includes the coastal regions from Rhode Island, USA, down to southern Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. It is also found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, from the southern Baja California Peninsula to Peru.

Nurse sharks typically inhabit warm, shallow waters and are often found in coral and rocky reefs, seagrass beds, and sand flats. They prefer depths ranging from the surface to about 75 meters (246 feet), though they are most commonly observed at depths of 1 to 20 meters (3 to 66 feet). The water temperatures in their habitats generally range from 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F).

Nurse sharks play a role as nocturnal predators within their ecological niche. They primarily feed on small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and occasionally on stingrays. Their slow-moving, benthic lifestyle allows them to exploit food resources in the reef and seafloor environments effectively. They exhibit a unique adaptation of using their powerful suction to extract prey from crevices and sand. While they are generally solitary, nurse sharks can occasionally be found resting in groups during the daytime.