Fish of the Day 52 - I got that nurse in me

Today's fish of the day is the nurse shark! omg the sweetest sharks ever

(also, quick note, i haven't been writing as much due to exams approaching! But soon i'll post entries more regularly, so don't worry!!)

Nurse shark facts:

- These are very lazy sharks. They spend a good chunk of the day resting on the sea floor, and they enjoy cuddling with their friends! They make "cuddle puddles" that can consist of 20+ sharks as they sleep during the day, waiting for nightfall so they can begin to hunt.

- Speaking of resting, these are one of the few species of shark that can stay completely immobile while breathing. Many fish have to move to be able to breathe, but these guys can just pump water through their gills. They use a method called "buccal pumping" which involves using their mouth to inhale water. This is also how my favourite kind of fish, moray eels, breathe!

- they hunt like a vacuum cleaner, sucking up whatever little marine creatures are on the sea floor. They are strong enough to slurp mollusks out of their shells! Additionally, those whiskers help them spot (or rather feel) morsels they can eat.

- Nurse sharks in general are considered among the most docile sharks. Their laid back behavior makes them very popular among divers and photographers. It's not uncommon to see people swimming with these creatures!

- The etymology behind their name is somewhat a mystery, but some believe the name "nurse shark" comes from the word "nusse", which apperently means cuddle in norwegian? If it's true, thats absolutely adorable. 

Do you got that nurse shark in you? I think these guys look very funny and i LOVE THEM SO MUCH