INDONESIAN SPECKLED CARPETSHARK

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Common Names: Indonesian speckled carpetshark, Raja Ampat walking shark, Freycinets Epaulette shark.

Binomial: Hemiscyllium freycineti

Family: Hemiscylliidae

Identification: Long, cylindrical, eel-like body. Well developed pectoral and pelvic fins on fore-body. Two equally sized dorsal fins on rear-body. Tail long and straight with upper and lower caudal lobes on underside. Sub-terminal notch present.

Coloration: Body light reddish-tan speckled with small, mostly oval, dark spots. In mature adults, groupings of spots form leopard-like markings. Darker patches along upper back with concentrations of dark spots form 8 or 9 irregular saddles along body and tail.
Two larger dark spots are present on the lower cheek just behind the eye; these often form an elongated diagonal dark blotch.
The ocelli (eyespot behind gill) is large, oval and ringed in white on its underside. Two smaller, joined, dark blotches form a figure 8 shape just behind and below the ocelli. Ventrum pale.

Size: Maximum confirmed length at least 66cm. Previously reported length of 72cm may be accurate or may represent the max size of H. michaeli.

Habitat:  Shallow coral reefs. From 0 to 12m.

Distribution: Previously thought to be wide ranging throughout New Guinea until the species was divided. Now considered endemic to the Raja Ampat region of West Papua in Indonesia.

Behavior:  Hides by day under corals venturing out at sunset to feed. Swims or walks along on its flexible pectoral and pelvic fins. Wriggles through gaps in coral in search of prey or to seek protection.

Reproduction: Oviparous.

Conservation Status: Listed as NEAR THREATENED by the IUCN: Threats currently affecting the Indonesian Speckled Carpet Shark are unclear. Given that it is a very attractive and hardy species it may be sought for the aquarium trade. This species is very susceptible to habitat destruction via dynamite fishing practices. However, there is a lack of information on the extent of habitat degradation within its range (not only from destructive fishing methods, but also from pollution; heavy pollutant loads from mining activities are an issue within the region). The impacts of fishing activities on this species are also unknown, but fishing pressure in shallow inshore environments (including shallow reefs where this species occurs) can be significant in eastern Indonesia. Illegal fishing activities also pose a threat within the habitat of this species, and illegal fishing (which includes trawling) is an on-going issue within Indonesian waters.

Photographs: Gam Island, Raja Ampat, Indonesia.

Similar species: The Indonesian Speckled Carpet Shark is the only epaulette shark known to inhabit the Raja Ampat region of West Papua.

Reaction to divers: Usually seen at night. Seeks cover when caught in a diver's spotlight. Some animals are more tolerant of diver's lights than others.

Diving logistics: Most dive resorts in Raja Ampat know of shallow, inshore reefs where Indonesian speckled epaulette sharks can be easily be found at night.

References and further reading:

Kyne, P.M. & Heupel, M.R. 2011. Hemiscyllium freycineti. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2011: e.T199932A9130008. 

http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T199932A9130008.en. Downloaded on 29 May 2018.

 

Allen & Dudgeon (2010). "Hemiscyllium michaeli, a new species of Bamboo Shark (Hemiscyllidae) from Papua New Guinea". Aqua International Journal of Ichthyology. 16 (1): 19–30.

 

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