Epaulette Shark
Hemiscyllium ocellatum
- Group: Shark
- Typical depth: 0–50 m
- Max size: 1.1 m
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
Named for the dark eyespots behind its head, this small shark walks across shallow reef flats and tide pools on its paddle like fins rather than swimming. It can survive long spells of low oxygen by slowing its body down, and feeds on worms, crabs and other invertebrates dug from the reef.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Elasmobranchii › Orectolobiformes › Hemiscylliidae › Hemiscyllium
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 281037.
FAQ
- How deep does the Epaulette Shark live?
- The Epaulette Shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) is typically found at 0–50 m.
- Is the Epaulette Shark dangerous to divers?
- The Epaulette Shark is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Epaulette Shark get?
- The Epaulette Shark grows to about 1.1 m.