Not just Shark
Pictures: Elasmodiver contains photos of sharks, skates, rays, and
chimaera's from around the world. It began as a simple web based
field guide to help divers find the best places to encounter
different species of sharks and rays but it has slowly evolved into
a much larger project containing information on all aspects of shark
diving and photography. There are now more than a thousand shark
pictures and sections on shark evolution, biology, and
conservation. There is a large library of reviewed shark books, a
constantly outdated shark taxonomy page, a monster list of shark
links, and deeper in the site there are numerous articles and
stories about shark encounters. Elasmodiver is now so difficult to
check for updates, that new information and pictures are listed on
an Elasmodiver Updates Page that can be accessed here:
If you're looking for a
broader range of marine life pictures the following links represent
a new area that contains pictures on other marine organisms and on
marine habitats. This expansion of Elasmodiver is in its first
stages but will eventually include pages on everything from sea
stars to nudibranches. Creating this portal will take time and for
now it consists of a token offering of fish pictures. Please return
regularly to enjoy the progress.
Identification: Uniformly
tan or gray body, paling slightly towards belly. Juveniles have small dark
spots. Two sharply pointed dorsal fins of almost
equal size close to tail. Pectoral fins falcate. Anal fin as large as second
dorsal. Mouth close to tip of snout has a barbell on
each side. Tail narrow with a large upper caudal lobe and no distinct lower
lobe.
Size: 3.2m
max. 40cm at birth.
Habitat: Found
on rocky and coral reefs.
From intertidal to 70m.
Distribution: From the Society Islands
east to South Africa and the red sea across the indo Pacific to Australia.
Behavior: Nocturnal.
Sleeps under overhangs of reefs during the day. Often found
sleeping in small groups. At night forages for lobsters, crabs, octopus,
and sea urchins etc. Returns to same area every morning to rest. Has a limited
home range.
Reproduction: Ovoviviparous.
Litter number up to 8.
Observations:
Photographs: Muirin Islands, Exmouth,
Western Australia.
Similar species:
Reaction to divers: During
day lies motionless unless closely harassed. Will bite if provoked. Nurse sharks
are opportunistic and become regular visitors to shark feeds.
Diving logistics: The best encounters
I have had with Tawny nurse sharks was at the Burma
Banks during Silvertip shark feeds. I am interested in locations where this
species is seen in large groups resting under ledges.
Other diving locations submitted by readers:
Further reading:
Reef Sharks and Rays of the World
- Scott W. Michael.
Sharks
and Rays - Elasmobranch Guide of the World. Ralf M. Hennemann. IKAN.
