Hemiscyllium ocellatum
Fast Facts
- It has large false eyespots behind its head to appear bigger than it actually is
- This eyespot resembles shoulder ornaments on military uniforms, which is how this shark got its common name
- The muscular pectoral fins help it walk from tide pool to tide pool and through shallow water
- Most sharks swallow their prey whole, but epaulette sharks bite off small pieces and chew before swallowing
Range
Indo-Pacific Ocean
Habitat
Marine neritic (shallow, coastal waters)
Size
27 to 35 inches
Nutrition
Bony fish, shrimp, crab, worms