Home | Evolution | Classification | Glossary | Biology | Behavior | Shark Repellent | Shark Conservation | Do's & Don'ts | Did You Know?

Shark Glossary

Nasal BarbelsNares
The nares are the nasal openings of an animal, or the nostrils. Shark nostrils are used only for the sense of smell, not for respiration.

Nasal Barbel
Nasal barbels are sensory projections near the nostrils and mouth of some sharks (e.g., the nurse shark). These barbels are whisker-like feelers used to taste and feel.

Nicaragua Shark
Carcharhinus leucas is also known as the Bull shark, the Ganges shark, the River shark, the Cub shark, the Zambezi shark, the Shovelnose shark, the Slipway gray shark, the SquNictitating Membraneare-nose shark, and Van Rooyen's shark. It is a large, fierce predator that eats fish, including other sharks, ray, and just about anything else. It has been known to attack people and will venture into fresh water

Nictitating Membrane
Some sharks (Carcharhiniformes) have a nictitating membrane, a type of eyelid that protects the eye during hunting.

Northern Whaler SharkNorthern Whaler Shark
Carcharhinus plumbeus (also called the sandbar shark, brown shark, the thickskin shark, and the ground shark) is a common shark with a very tall dorsal fin. They have mouse-gray skin, with paler skin below; the head is wide and flat. They largest found was about 8 ft (2.4 m) long; on average, females are 6 ft (1.8 m) long and males are 3.2 ft (1 m) long. Sandbar sharks are found from very shallow waters to deep waters, generally staying on the bottom. They also frequent estuaries and harbors. Sandbar sharks have a growth rate of about 1.7 inches (43 mm) per year, a slow growth rate for sharks. The thick skin is used for leather. These strong swimmers migrate over 1550 miles (2500 km). Their diet is mostly fish, including menhaden, eels, other sharks, skates, squid, and also crustaceans. Females are mature at 16 years and give birth to 8-12 live young after a gestation period of 9-12 months. Pups are about 8.5 inches (22 cm) long at birth. Classification: Order Carcharhiniformes, Family Carcharhinidae (requiem sharks).

Nostrils
Sharks and rays have paired nostrils on the underside of the snout. Water continually flows through the nostrils, giving the shark olfactory (the sense of smell) information. Unlike humans, shark nostrils have nothing to do with breathing - they are not even connected to the mouth.

Nurse SharksNurse Sharks
Ginglymostoma cirratum is a large, sluggish shark that is generally harmless unless provoked. It has very strong jaws, a stout body, and a wide head. They are dark gray on top, some with spots. They are nocturnal hunters that rest during the day in groups. Nurse sharks do well in captivity.



[ A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q-R | S | T | U-Z ]

Top

Nares
Nasal Barbel
Nicaragua Shark
Nictitating Membrane
Northern Whaler Shark
Nostrils
Nurse Sharks
Sitemap | Reach To Us | Jimtrade - Business Directory of India