Epaulette Shark [Hemiscyllium ocellatum]
Description
The Epaulette Shark is a species of longtailed carpet shark, family Hemiscylliidae, found in shallow, tropical waters off Australia and New Guinea. The common name of this shark comes from the very large, white-margined black spot behind each pectoral fin, which are reminiscent of military epaulettes. A small species usually under 1 m (3.3 ft) long, the Epaulette Shark has a slender body with a short head and broad, paddle-shaped paired fins. This shark has the ability to survive low oxygen conditions and walk on its pectoral fins to move between rock pools or across coral reefs.
Where To See Epaulette Shark
Shark Point
Lombok and the Gili Islands
, Indonesia
Shark City
Alor Archipelago
, Indonesia
Sipadan Drop Off
Sipadan Island
, Malaysia
Turtle Cavern
Sipadan Island
, Malaysia
White Tip Avenue
Sipadan Island
, Malaysia
Coral Garden
Sipadan Island
, Malaysia
South Point
Sipadan Island
, Malaysia
Baby Shark Point
Kenting National Park
, Taiwan
Tiger Beach
Grand Bahama Island
, Bahamas
Shark's Lair
Man of War Shoal Marine Park
, Saint Martin
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Fish, Sharks & Rays (plus Sea Turtles & Whales)
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Elasmobranchs (Sharks, Rays, Skates)
Elasmobranchii
|
| Order |
Carpet Sharks
Orectolobiformes
|
| Family |
Bamboo Sharks
Hemiscylliidae
|
| Genus |
Epaulette Sharks
Hemiscyllium
|
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