Epaulette Shark
ExploreFish
Epaulette Shark
hemiscyllium ocellatum
The Epaulette Shark is a small and friendly shark that can walk on land using its fins! It loves to explore coral reefs and hunt for tasty snacks like crabs and small fish.
Habitat: Shallow coral reefs and sandy coastal waters in the Indo-Pacific region.
Appearance
The Epaulette Shark is a slender, bottom-dwelling shark with a distinctive large, black, white-bordered spot behind each pectoral fin, resembling a military epaulette. Its body is tan to light brown, covered with darker brown spots and bands, providing excellent camouflage against coral and sand.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassElasmobranchiiOrderOrectolobiformesFamilyHemiscylliidaeGenusHemiscyllium
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Epaulette Sharks can use their fins to "walk" on land between tide pools!
Their distinctive black spot looks just like a military officer's epaulette.
These sharks can regenerate lost teeth continuously throughout their entire lives!
They lay unique, leathery egg cases called "mermaid's purses" on the seafloor!
Special abilities
Ability
Walking Fins
Epaulette Shark can use its strong, paddle-like pectoral and pelvic fins to 'walk' along the seafloor, helping them navigate complex reef environments.
Ability
Super Survivor
Epaulette Shark can survive for hours with almost no oxygen by reducing brain activity and heart rate, helping them endure isolated tide pools.
Ability
Night Vision
Epaulette Shark has eyes adapted for low light, allowing them to effectively hunt for prey in dark crevices and under coral at night.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 60-107 cm
- Weight
- 1-2.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years
- Swim Speed
- 8 km/h
- Maximum Depth
- 50 m
- Water Type
- Saltwater
Diet & Feeding
This shark hunts small crabs, shrimp, worms, and tiny fish in the coral reefs.
Primary Foods
- small crabs
- shrimp
- marine worms
- small bony fish
- octopus
- gastropods
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
Giant Tiger Prawn
Penaeus monodon
A favored invertebrate meal in their habitat.
hunts
Flower Crab
Portunus pelagicus
Crabs are a common prey item on the seafloor.
eaten by
Grey Reef Shark
Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos
Larger reef sharks sometimes prey on juveniles.
Traits
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
Ocellaris SharkPygmy SharkWalking Shark
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Epaulette Shark?
60-107 cm
How much does Epaulette Shark weigh?
1-2.5 kg
How long does Epaulette Shark live?
15-20 years
What does Epaulette Shark eat?
This shark hunts small crabs, shrimp, worms, and tiny fish in the coral reefs.
How fast can Epaulette Shark swim?
8 km/h
Where is Epaulette Shark usually found?
Shallow coral reefs and sandy coastal waters in the Indo-Pacific region.
How does Epaulette Shark hunt?
Foraging
How deep can Epaulette Shark go?
50 m
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