Tawny Nurse Shark

Nebrius ferrugineus
Tawny Nurse Shark - Marinewise © 2026 MarineWise

Quick Facts

Scientific nameNebrius ferrugineus
Other namesRusty Catshark, Rusty Shark, Sleepy Shark, Spitting Shark, Tawney Shark
SizeUp to 3.2 m (10.4 ft)
WeightOver 125 kg (275 lb)
FamilyNurse Shark / Ginglymostomatidae

Distribution

Habitat & AU DistributionCoastal waters, lagoons & outer edges of rocky & coral reefs amongst sandy areas
Depth Range1 - 70 m (3 - 229 ft)
Tawney Nurse Shark Distribution