Epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) fish species and information / pictures of Epaulette shark - Hemiscyllium ocellatum

Epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) fish species information

Scientific Name
Hemiscyllium ocellatum

Common Name
Epaulette shark

Biology
Commonly found in shallow water of coral reefs (Ref. 6871). Often in tide pools (Ref. 13575). Feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates (Ref. 6871). Oviparous (Ref. 50449). Squirms when captured but cannot readily escape (Ref. 247). Survives well in aquariums (Ref. 6871). Has the ability to survive low oxygen conditions by switching of non-essential brain functions; apparently an adaption for hunting in tide-pools with low oxygen (Ref. 52022).

Classification

Classified By

Bonnaterre, 1788

Class

Sharks and Rays (Elasmobranchii)

Order

Carpet sharks (Orectolobiformes)

Family

Bamboo sharks (Hemiscylliidae)

Distribution

Region

Western Pacific

Distribution

Western Pacific: New Guinea and northern Australia. Possibly occurring in Malaysia, Sumatra (Indonesia), and the Solomon Islands.

Range

1°S - 34°S, 112°E - 163°E

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

0 m

Depth To - meters

50 m

Zone

reef-associated

Environment

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 50 m (Ref. 54540)

Trophic Level

3.36 s.e. 0.49 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

True

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

107 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5039 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: of no interest

Vulnerability

Moderate to high vulnerability (46 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec assumed to be

Threat To Humans

Harmless (Ref. 247)

IUCN Red List Status

Least Concern (LC)