Hemiscyllium spp.

Walking Shark (Epaulette Shark)

50-90 cm
20-25 år
Livskraftig till nära hotad (artberoende)
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.

Storlek

50-90 cm

Vikt

1-3 kg

Livslängd

20-25 år

Status

Livskraftig till nära hotad (artberoende)

Var du hittar dem

Bästa dykplatser

Raja Ampat, IndonesienHalmahera, IndonesienPapua Nya GuineaGreat Barrier Reef, AustralienSalomonöarna

Dyktips

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.

Bästa säsong

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

Livsmiljö

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

Föda

Small invertebrates, worms, crustaceans, and small fish
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Roliga 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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