Pronunciation: [ɡɹˈa͡ʊnd ʃˈɑːk] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of "ground shark" is /ɡraʊnd ʃɑːk/. The first syllable, "ground," is pronounced with the vowel sound /aʊ/, as in "out" or "loud." The second syllable, "shark," is pronounced with the consonant sound /ʃ/ as in "shoe" and the vowel sound /ɑː/, as in "car" or "far." A ground shark is a type of shark that lives close to the ocean floor, such as the nurse shark or the carpet shark.
A ground shark refers to a type of carnivorous fish characterized by its ability to navigate and inhabit the ocean floor or shallow coastal areas. Also known as bottom sharks or sand sharks, ground sharks possess a distinctive body shape and adaptation that enables them to move and survive in these environments. Typically medium to large-sized, their bodies are elongated and cylindrical, accompanied by a strong caudal fin, pectoral fins, and a large dorsal fin.
Ground sharks occupy a diverse range of habitats across different parts of the world, including tropical and temperate waters. Primarily nocturnal hunters, they have a keen sense of smell, allowing them to locate potential prey buried in the sandy or muddy substrates they frequent. Their diet incorporates a variety of marine creatures such as small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and occasionally, other sharks.
These sharks are known for their powerful jaws, displaying multiple rows of sharp, serrated teeth, which they use to capture and tear apart prey. Despite their intimidating appearance and predatory nature, most ground sharks are not considered a threat to humans.
Many species of ground sharks are economically important, both for commercial fisheries and ecotourism purposes. Due to their ecological significance and vulnerability to overfishing, conservation efforts are often directed towards protecting their populations and maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems they inhabit.
