Epaulette Shark

Common Name: Epaulette Shark

Scientific Name: Hemiscyllium ocellatum

Diet: Crustaceans, polychaete worms, small fish

Range: Southern coast of New Guinea, northern coast of Australia

Size: 3 feet, 6 pounds

Lifespan: 20 to 25 years

IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern

Least Concern

Overview

The epaulette shark is found in the western Pacific Ocean in waters around New Guinea and northern Australia. Off the eastern coast of Australia, this shark is found as far south as Sydney.

Geographical Distribution and Habitat

Commonly found in shallow water coral reef habitats up to 120 feet deep. Epaulette sharks can also be found on reef platforms that are cut off from the ocean by a receding tide.

Diet

Epaulette sharks’ favorite times for feeding are at dusk and dawn. Their food choices are mostly limited to various invertebrates along the sea and coral floors.

Fun Facts

Epaulette sharks are also referred to as the “walking shark.”
They use their pectoral fins to crawl across rough terrain exposed by low tides.
These sharks can survive with very little to no water for up to an hour.