 The nursehound attains a length of 1 @.@ 6 m ( 5 @.@ 2 ft ) , though most measure less than 1 @.@ 3 m ( 4 @.@ 3 ft ) . This shark has a broad , rounded head and a stout body that tapers towards the tail . The eyes are oval in shape , with a thick fold of skin on the lower rim but no nictitating membrane . Unlike in the small @-@ spotted catshark , the large flaps of skin beside the nares do not reach the mouth . In the upper jaw , there are 22 – 27 tooth rows on either side and 0 – 2 teeth at the symphysis ( center ) ; in the lower jaw , there are 18 – 21 tooth rows on either side and 2 – 4 teeth at the symphysis . The teeth are Y @-@ shaped and smooth @-@ edged ; the anterior teeth have a single central cusp , while the posterior teeth have an additional pair of lateral cusplets . Towards the rear of the jaws , the teeth become progressively smaller and more angled , with proportionately larger lateral cusplets . The five pairs of gill slits are small , with the last two over the pectoral fin bases . 
