 With a more streamlined form than other nurse sharks, the tawny nurse shark is believed to be a less benthic, more active swimmer.The characteristics of its body, head, fins, and teeth are comparable to other active reef sharks sharing its range, such as the sicklefin lemon shark ("Negaprion acutidens").Tawny nurse sharks are primarily nocturnal, though they are said to be active at all hours off Madagascar, and in captivity they will become diurnally active if presented with food.