Epaulette Shark

Scientific name: Hemiscyllium ocellatum

Class: Fish

Continent: Australia

Habitat: Shallow water reefs in the Western Paccific

Diet: Carnivore

The Name of This Shark Comes From the Large Black Spot on Their Side

The name of this shark comes from the large black spot on their side, remniscent of military epaulettes. These sharks use their pectoral fins like legs and are often found "walking around" the ocean floor. They can even leave the water and walk over sand and rocks to get into tide pools where their prey has little chance of escape.

Conservation Status

Extinct

Extinct in the wild

Critically endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Near threatened

Least concern

Insufficient data

Not evaluated