• Skip to main content
We're currently closed.Open Tomorrow 10am - 6pm
  • Webcams
  • New at CMA
    • Dino Rescue
    • Dolphintopia
  • About CMA
    • CMA 50th Anniversary
    • What We Do
    • Get Involved
    • CMA Research Institute
    • Educational Resources
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Help CMA
    • Because of You Fundraiser
    • Fundraising Merchandise
    • Protect the Nest Plaques
    • Help Manatees
    • Adopt an Animal
    • Donate Boat or Vehicle
    • Save a Seat
    • Volunteer
    • Donations
  • News
    • Press
    • Blog Updates
    • Rescue Map
We're currently closed.Open Tomorrow 10am - 6pm
Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

  • Visit
    • Admissions
    • Visit Info
    • Group Visits
    • Hotel Partners
    • Guest Safety Info
    • FAQs
    • Gift Shop
  • Experience
    • Meet Rescued Animals
    • Experiences & Exhibits
    • Boat Rides & Guided Tours
    • Dino Rescue
    • Dolphintopia
    • Upcoming Events
    • Plan an Event
    • Rescue Center
  • Learn
    • Educational Programs
    • Virtual Programs
    • Off-Site Programs
    • Educational Summer Programs
    • Boat Rides & Guided Tours
    • Kids Zone
  • Inspiration
    • Remembering Winter
    • Inspirational Stories
    • CMA Inspires Program
  • Shop
    • Order CMA 2023 Calendar
    • New Featured Items
    • Marine Life Rescue Project
    • Winter the Dolphin Items
  • Become a Member
  • Get Tickets
Experience • Rescued Animals

Sharks

Updated July 7, 2022 Posted April 8, 2020

Visit our nurse shark Thelma, and watch her circle around her habitat from above or underwater! A private collector took Thelma out of the wild as a young pup and later learned that nurse sharks continue to grow regardless of their tank size. When she had outgrown her tank, the collector could no longer care for her and brought Thelma to Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Where to See

  • Shark Pass
  • Sea Cavern

Resident Shark

Thelma

Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum)
Shark Pass
Thelma
Sex
Female
Length
Nearly 7 feet

We have given Thelma a forever home here at CMA where she has plenty of room to move about. Thelma has learned to voluntarily participate in her own medical management program through target-pole training. You can get an underwater view of Thelma with other marine fish down Shipwreck Alley in the Sea Cavern, or watch her from above at Shark Pass.

Shark Species

Nurse Sharks

Ginglymostoma cirratum
CMA Resident Nurse Shark
Status
Data Deficient
Average Size
130 lbs
Location
Caribbean, American west coast
Threats
Line fishing, commercial fishing
Defining Characteristic
Slow-moving bottom dweller
  • Reach lengths of up to 14 feet

Did You Know…

Nurse sharks possess very sharp teeth, can grow up to 14 feet long, and live to be about 25 years old.
A nurse shark’s teeth are fan-shaped.
Nurse sharks use their powerful throat muscles, or pharyngeal muscles, to suck up their prey.
Nurse sharks are nocturnal, and can be found on sandy bottoms such as reef flats, sandy lagoons, and near mangroves.
The process in which nurse sharks suck up their prey is similar to a baby nursing on it’s mother, hence the name, nurse shark!
CMA Resident Nurse Shark
Resident Nurse Shark Swimming in Shark Pass

Thelma’s Neighbors

  • Resident Stingray Swimming
    Stingrays
  • CMA River Otter
    Otters

If You Like Sharks

Man with CMA Staff Learning About the Shark Care Experience

Shark Care Experience

Learn MoreBook Now
Resident Nurse Shark Swimming in Shark Pass

Shark Pass

Learn More
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

Sign up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe

Shop • Careers & Internships • Contact


Get Involved

Volunteer • Donate • Give Supplies • Boat & Vehicle Donations


© 2023 Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Privacy Policy • Terms & Conditions • Accessibility

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

  • Webcams
  • Membership
  • Get Tickets
  • My Day
  • Experience
  • Visit
  • Experience
  • Learn
  • Inspiration
  • Dino Rescue
  • Live Webcams
  • About CMA
  • Blog & News
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Get Tickets