Hemiscyllium strahani Whitley, 1967
Hooded carpetshark
Hemiscyllium strahani
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Hemiscylliidae (Bamboo sharks)
Max. size:  80 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 18 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Papua New Guinea. Also reported from Indonesia (questionable occurrence).
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). Head and snout with an abrupt black hood; body with conspicuous large white spots (Ref. 13575).
Biology:  A little-known inshore bottom shark of singular and unique appearance (Ref. 247). Probably found on coral reefs (Ref. 247). Oviparous (Ref. 50449).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 04 May 2020 (B2ab(ii,iii,v)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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