Tag: epaulette shark

Shark Fact Sheet: Epaulette Shark

The Epaulette Shark(Hemiscyllium ocellatum), also known as the Walking Shark,  is quite a unique fish; it can “walk” for short distance on its paddle-shaped pectoral and pelvic fins. However they are capable of swimming. The Epaulette Shark is classified in the order Orectolobiformes and the family Hemiscylliidae.

GenusHemiscyllium
SpeciesH. ocellatum
Binomial NameHemiscyllium ocellatum
Length70 cm to 1.1 m(2’3.6″-3’7.3″)
Weight2.7-2.9 kg(6-6.4 lbs.)
DietCarnivore
IUCN StatusLeast concern

Range and Habitat

Epaulette Sharks inhabit shallow reefs of Australia and New Guinea.

Identification

The Epaulette Shark has a white-margined black spot behind each pectoral fin, which resemble … Continue