Hemiscyllium spp.

Walking Shark (Epaulette Shark)

50-90 cm
20-25 år
Livskraftig til nær truet (artavhengig)
Om

Walking Shark (Epaulette Shark)

Walking sharks are perhaps the most unusual sharks on Earth—they literally walk across the reef using their pectoral and pelvic fins. These small, beautifully marked sharks are found exclusively in the Coral Triangle region, with several species endemic to specific areas of Raja Ampat and Papua New Guinea. Their ability to survive in low-oxygen tide pools and walk between rock pools makes them one of evolution's most remarkable shark adaptations.

Størrelse

50-90 cm

Vekt

1-3 kg

Levetid

20-25 år

Status

Livskraftig til nær truet (artavhengig)

Hvor du finner dem

Beste dykkelokasjoner

Raja Ampat, IndonesiaHalmahera, IndonesiaPapua Ny-GuineaGreat Barrier Reef, AustraliaSalomonøyene

Dykketips

Night dives on shallow reef flats offer the best encounters. They are active hunters after dark, 'walking' across the reef. They can be shy—approach slowly with minimal light. Reef flats at low tide are prime habitat. A local guide who knows their territories is essential.

Beste sesong

Year-round, best seen on night dives and reef flat walks at low tide

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs, tide pools, and reef flats in the Coral Triangle (Indonesia, Papua New Guinea)

Kosthold

Small invertebrates, worms, crustaceans, and small fish
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Morsomme fakta

1

They can survive for up to an hour with virtually no oxygen by shutting down non-essential brain functions

2

At least nine species have been identified, with new species still being discovered

3

They can 'walk' between isolated tide pools during low tide

4

New species are still being discovered in Indonesian waters

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