The leopard epaulette shark is a bamboo shark found in eastern Papua New Guinea. It was named after photographer and aquarist Scott W. Michael, whose work brought the difference between this shark and the Indonesian speckled carpetshark to public attention.
Leopard Epaulette Shark Scientific Classification |
|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Chondrichthyes |
| Order | Orectolobiformes |
| Family | Hemiscylliidae |
| Genus | Hemiscyllium |
| Scientific Name | H. michaeli |
Description
Leopard epaulette sharks reach a maximum length of 27.4 inches. The entire body of this shark is covered with leopard-like brown ocellated spots. These spots are more polygonal and less rounded.
Where do they live
Map Of The Leopard Epaulette Shark’s Habitat
This shark has only been spotted in the Milne Bay region of eastern Papua New Guinea.
They swim in shallow tropical waters at depths of 6-65 ft.
Behavior
Reproductive
While unconfirmed, it is believed that this shark is oviparous and lays eggs.
Adaptations
Like other epaulette sharks, it can walk with the help of its fins.
Interactions with humans
The IUCN lists this shark as “Vulnerable” or “VU” due to its small range and the lack of information surrounding it.
