Hemiscyllium

Hemiscyllium is a genus of carpet sharks in the family Hemiscylliidae, commonly known as bamboo sharks or epaulette sharks. These are small, slender sharks found in the Indo-Pacific region. They are characterized by their elongated bodies, rounded snouts, and the presence of distinctive markings, often resembling epaulettes on their pectoral fins, which gives them one of their common names.

These sharks are bottom-dwellers, inhabiting coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy or muddy bottoms. They are typically found in shallow waters, often at depths less than 20 meters. Hemiscyllium species are nocturnal and spend their days resting in crevices or under ledges. At night, they actively forage for food, which consists mainly of small invertebrates like crustaceans and mollusks, as well as small fish.

A remarkable adaptation of some Hemiscyllium species is their ability to "walk" on the seafloor using their pectoral and pelvic fins. This locomotion is observed when they are stranded in tide pools during low tide, allowing them to move between pools to find deeper water. This behavior is a significant example of terrestrial locomotion in fish.

Reproduction in Hemiscyllium sharks is oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. Females deposit egg cases, often described as purse-shaped, which are attached to seaweed or coral. The juveniles hatch after a period of incubation and are miniature versions of the adults.

There are several recognized species within the genus Hemiscyllium, each with specific geographic distributions. Their small size, docile nature, and interesting behaviors make them popular subjects for marine biology research and occasionally appear in aquariums.