The Queensland Epaulette Shark, Blind Shark, Itar Shark, Epaulette Shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) is a species of catshark found in the western Pacific Ocean. This shark is known for its unique appearance and its ability to survive out of water for extended periods. Hemiscyllium ocellatum can reach a maximum size of 107.0 centimeters and is commonly found in depths ranging from 0.0 to 50.0 meters.
Description & Characteristics
The Hemiscyllium ocellatum is characterized by its distinctive color pattern, with a background of dark gray to brown, covered in large, white, round spots. These spots are often surrounded by a darker halo, creating a bullseye effect. The shark’s body is flattened and elongated, with large, rounded pectoral fins that resemble “epaulets,” giving rise to its common name. Their head is broad and flattened, and their eyes are small and set high on the head. Hemiscyllium ocellatum is a relatively small shark, with females generally reaching a larger size than males.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Queensland Epaulette Shark, Blind Shark, Itar Shark, Epaulette Shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) is a demersal shark, meaning it primarily inhabits the bottom of the ocean floor. This species is found in a variety of habitats, including coral reefs, rocky reefs, and seagrass beds. They are typically found in shallow waters, often in the intertidal zone. This shark is commonly found in the tropical waters of the western Pacific Ocean, specifically in the Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, and the northern coast of Australia. Hemiscyllium ocellatum is primarily found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, with a specific occurrence in the Coral Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, and the northern coast of Australia.
Taxonomy
The species Hemiscyllium ocellatum belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Orectolobiformes, and Family: Hemiscylliidae. Hemiscyllium ocellatum is classified within the family Hemiscylliidae, which comprises around 12 species of catsharks. The family Hemiscylliidae belongs to the order Orectolobiformes, which includes a diverse group of sharks known for their flattened bodies and benthic habits. These sharks are further classified within the Class: Elasmobranchii, a group that encompasses all sharks, rays, and skates. Hemiscyllium ocellatum is part of a diverse group of sharks known for their flattened bodies and benthic habits. They belong to the Class Elasmobranchii, encompassing all sharks, rays, and skates.
Feeding
The Queensland Epaulette Shark, Blind Shark, Itar Shark, Epaulette Shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) is a nocturnal predator, primarily feeding on benthic invertebrates. They are known to consume a variety of food sources, including clam meat, clams, crabs, rock shrimps, schrimps, sepia, and shrimps. They use their keen sense of smell and electroreception to locate prey in their surroundings. These sharks are particularly skilled at maneuvering through tight spaces and crevices, making them effective hunters of smaller invertebrates.
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