| Family: |
Hemiscylliidae (Bamboo sharks) |
| Max. size: |
78.3 cm TL (male/unsexed); 81.5 cm TL (female) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 30 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Pacific: Known only from western New Guinea (Papua Barat Province), Indonesia. |
| Diagnosis: |
This species is distinguished by its unique colour pattern, distinctive is the combination of small scattered spots on the head, body and fins including 13-18 spots on the interorbital/dorsal snout region and 6-18 spots on dorsal surface of pectoral fins; a unique 'double-ocellus' marking on middle of side, just behind the head (Ref. 74956). |
| Biology: |
Observed and collected both in the bay and at nearby Selat Iris, a narrow channel between the mainland and Aiduma Island; where there is almost no shallow, fringing reef habitat due to the unique geomorphology. Thus, the typical habitat for this species extends into deeper water (at least 30 m), although it has also been sighted in depths less than 4 m. It is often seen resting on the bottom, occasionally observed slowly swimming or 'walking' over the bottom with the pectoral and pelvic fins. Generally sedentary during the day, sheltering under rocky outcrops or tabular corals (Ref. 74956). |
| 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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