Overview
The epaulette shark – commonly known as the bamboo sharks – are characterized by their flattened, slender bodies with a broad, rounded head and a short, blunt snout. Their coloration is distinctive, featuring a brown or grey background with numerous white or cream-colored spots and blotches, resembling the pattern of an epaulette. Unlike other bamboo sharks, the epaulette shark has a unique ability to "walk" on its pectoral fins, allowing it to move across the seafloor in a crawling motion. This adaptation, along with its distinctive coloration, helps to distinguish it from other similar species.
Commonly found in:
- Australia
- Indonesia
- Papua New Guinea
- New Caledonia
- Solomon Islands
- Vanuatu
- Fiji
- Philippines
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Japan
- China
- South Korea
- Taiwan
Size and Weight
- Size: Males average 2-3 feet when mature; females average 2-3 feet when mature
- Weight: Males typically weigh 2-5 pounds; females typically weigh 2-5 pounds
- Swimming speed: Both sexes swim at 1-2 mph
Interaction with Humans
- Interaction with Humans: Generally harmless, may be curious but not aggressive
- Avoidance: Stay out of shallow reef areas at night
- Activity: Nocturnal, most active at night
Lifespan and Diet
- Lifespan: Both males and females live 20-25 years
- Diet: Small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks; hunts by walking on its fins along the seafloor
Migratory Patterns
Epaulette sharks do not have significant migratory patterns. They are primarily sedentary, remaining in shallow coral reef habitats around northern Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands throughout the year.