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ANIMAL SPECIES:Epaulette Shark, Hemiscyllium ocellatum (Bonnaterre, 1788)

Classification

Identification

The Epaulette Shark is a slender species that has a large black ocellus (eye-like spot with a marginal ring) above the pectoral fin and widely spaced black spots on the body. It has two similar sized dorsal fins and an anal fin positioned just anterior to the tail.

The species has a oronasal groove which connects the mouth to with the nostrils, small triangular teeth, and short nasal barbels.

The Epaulette Shark is a member of the fish family Hemiscylliidae, collectively called the Longtail Carpet Sharks. In Australia, the family contains three species, the Epaulette Shark, the Speckled Carpet Shark, Hemiscyllium trispeculare and the Grey Carpet Shark, Chiloscyllium punctatum. An easy way to tell the difference between the Epaulette and Speckled Carpet Shark is the presence of small dark spots immediately behind the ocellus of the Speckled Carpet Shark. These spots are absent in the Epaulette Shark.

Size range

Distribution

In Australia, the Epaulette Shark occurs from Shark Bay, Western Australia around the northern coastline of the continent and south on the east coast to at least Newcastle, and possibly to Sydney, New South Wales.

Habitat

It is a bottom-dwelling species which lives primarily in warm, shallow waters.

Behaviour and adaptations

Feeding and Diet

 It eats bottom-living invertebrates.

Mating and reproduction

Males mature at around 60 cm in length. The Epaulette Shark is an oviparous (lays eggs) species. The eggs are about 10 cm long and 4 cm wide.  They hatch after about 130 days. Young are around 15 cm in length when they hatch.

References

• Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 1994. Sharks and Rays of Australia. CSIRO. Pp. 513, Pl. 1-84.
• Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.

Last Updated: 14 May 2009

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