Hemiscyllium hallstromi Whitley, 1967
Papuan epaulette shark
Hemiscyllium hallstromi
photo by Tonozuka, T.

Family:  Hemiscylliidae (Bamboo sharks)
Max. size:  77 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 15 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Known only from Papua New Guinea (Gulf of Papua to Milne Bay Prov.). Reported from Indonesia (occurrence questionable).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. Caudal fin with a pronounced subterminal notch but without a ventral lobe (Ref. 13575). Lateral ocellus surrounded by large black spots; spots absent from head in front and below eyes (Ref. 13575).
Biology:  A little-known inshore bottom shark, probably on coral reefs (Ref. 247). Oviparous (Ref. 50449).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 18 February 2015 (B1ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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