Epaulette Shark

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Southwest Pacific, abundant off the coasts of northern Australia and New Guinea. Inhabits shallow coral reef flats, tidal pools, and shallow lagoons from 0 to 10 meters depth.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Part of the Hemiscylliidae family. Features an elongated, slender body and rounded pectoral fins used for locomotion. Grows up to 107 cm (42 inches) in length.

Social Behavior: Solitary, nocturnal, and highly resilient. Possesses unique physiological adaptations allowing it to survive in oxygen-deprived tide pools for hours.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Cream-tan body covered in small dark spots, highlighted by a large black eyespot ringed with white above each pectoral fin. Males have pelvic claspers.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum aquarium size of 1200 liters (300 gallons), preferably with rounded corners. A fine sand substrate is mandatory. Avoid sharp rocks to prevent belly lesions.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Provide fresh shrimp, crab meat, chopped squid, clams, and small whole fish. Supplement with shark-appropriate vitamins and iodine.

Water Quality: Maintain stable marine parameters: temperature 22-26°C (72-78°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, and KH 8-12. Never use copper-based medications. Excellent filtration needed.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: FOWLR tanks only. Best kept with large, non-nipping fish (tangs, large angels). Will consume all crabs, shrimp, and small benthic fishes.

Aquarium Breeding: Oviparous. Lay leathery egg cases in pairs which hatch in about 120 days. Successfully bred in public and specialized aquariums.

Risks and Diseases: Highly susceptible to goiter if iodine is lacking. Prone to bacterial skin infections if kept on coarse rubble or gravel. Extremely copper-sensitive.