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🌊 Marine Vulnerable 🌡️ Tropical

Papuan epaulette shark

Hemiscyllium hallstromi Whitley, 1967
Max Length
77 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.5
Depth
0–15 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
38.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

Papuan epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium hallstromi) is a ray-finned fish of the family Hemiscylliidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 77 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 15 metres. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Scientific Name
Hemiscyllium hallstromi
Authority
Whitley, 1967
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Elongated
IUCN Status
VU
Max Length
77 cm
Depth Range
0–15 m
Trophic Level
3.5
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
38.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0. Caudal fin with a pronounced subterminal notch but without a ventral lobe . Lateral ocellus surrounded by large black spots; spots absent from head in front and below eyes .: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Papuan epaulette shark is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous

Oviparous, paired eggs are laid. Embryos feed solely on yolk .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 15 m . Tropical; 7°S - 10°S, 144°E - 146°E Known only from Papua New Guinea (Gulf of Papua to Milne Bay Prov.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
3.5±0.3

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00407 × L3.09 (TL)
Max TL
77cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Vulnerable
Assessment Date
2015

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
38.00/100
Moderate vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.5
Predator
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Whitley, 1967

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