Common
Names:
Speckled epaulette shark
Latin
Name: Hemiscyllium trispeculare
Family:
Hemiscylliidae
Identification:
Large ocelli ringed in white above pectoral fins. two to three large black spots
forming crescent behind ocelli. Body banded with small spots (crazing) on a tan
background.
Size:
Maximum length 65cm.
Habitat:
Shallow coral reefs and tide pools. From 1 to 20m.
Abundance
and distribution:
Northern W.A. to Queensland and north into Indonesia.
Behavior:
Hides
by day under corals
venturing out towards sunset to feed.
Swims or walks along on its flexible pectoral and pelvic fins.
Reproduction:
Oviparous.
Observations:
Photographs:
Bandiggi Beach, Exmouth, Australia.
Similar species:
Occelated epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) Has far fewer spots.
Reaction to divers:
Remains motionless relying on camoflage until closely approached then
swims under coral heads.
Diving
logistics: In W.A.,
Exmouth beaches with fringing coral reefs have a healthy population of epaulette
sharks that can be encountered while snorkelling.
Other diving locations submitted by
readers:
References
and further
reading:
Reef
Sharks and Rays of the World. Scott W. Michael. Sea Challengers.
Sharks
and Rays - Elasmobranch Guide of the World. Ralf M. Hennemann. IKAN.
