Raja Ampat Epaulette Shark
SharkHemiscyllium freycineti
Up to 0.8 meters
Detail Information
Walking shark endemic to the Raja Ampat region
Small distribution range
Raja Ampat epaulette sharks are found only in shallow waters in the Raja Ampat region in Southwest Papua. There, they are locally known as Kalabia or Mandemor.
Specifically, this species inhabits shallow tropical coral reefs, rocky outcrops, sandy areas, and seagrass beds, typically at depths of up to 10 metres. They can sometimes also be found in mangrove root areas.
Sharks that can walk
One fascinating fact about the Raja Ampat epaulette sharks is that they can “walk”. Using their modified pectoral and pelvic fins, they can move across the reef in a walking-like motion.
As a nocturnal species, Raja Ampat epaulette sharks become more active at night, moving across exposed reef flats or the seafloor to hunt bottom-dwelling marine animals such as worms and crustaceans.
Distinct body spots
Raja Ampat epaulette sharks have distinct dark spot patterns on their body that differ between individuals. Therefore, these spot patterns can be used to tell individuals apart, much like fingerprints!
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class – Subclass
- Chondrichthyes – Elasmobranchii
- Order
- Orectolobiformes (carpet sharks)
- Family
- Hemiscylliidae (longtail carpetsharks)
- Species
- Hemiscyllium freycineti