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:

1. Australia
2. Indonesia
3. Papua New Guinea
4. New Caledonia
5. Solomon Islands
6. Vanuatu
7. Fiji
8. Philippines
9. Malaysia
10. Thailand
11. Vietnam
12. Japan
13. China
14. South Korea
15. Taiwan

Over the past two years, there has been 1 recorded epaulette shark attack. Of these attacks, they have occurred at sea and at the following beaches:

• LIST OF BEACHES HERE

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.