Epaulette Shark

Epaulette Shark: The "Walking" Bottom-Dweller

The Epaulette Shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum), also sometimes called the Walking Shark, is one of the most unique and popular sharks for the large home aquarium. It is a small, slender bottom-dwelling carpet shark known for its distinctive pattern: a tan or light brown body covered in dark spots, highlighted by a very large, white-ringed black spot behind each pectoral fin that resembles a military epaulette.

Native to the shallow coral reefs and tidal pools of Northern Australia and New Guinea, the Epaulette Shark has evolved to cope with low-oxygen environments. It is famous for its ability to "walk" using its muscular pectoral and pelvic fins, moving across the substrate and even clambering between tide pools at low tide. This is a relatively inactive species that spends most of its time resting on the bottom, often hiding in crevices or under rockwork during the day as it is primarily nocturnal.

Due to its maximum adult length of up to 35 inches (around 90 cm) and its high bioload, a dedicated aquarium with a large footprint is essential. A minimum tank size of 200-300 gallons is typically recommended, with a focus on an open sandy bottom area to prevent scratching its delicate abdomen.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Epaulette Shark is a dedicated Carnivore and a benthic (bottom-dwelling) predator. In the wild, it feeds on small fish, crustaceans (crabs, shrimp), and polychaete worms. In captivity, it should be fed small, bite-sized, meaty foods, as it tends to chew its food rather than tear it. Suitable foods include fresh or frozen-thawed marine shrimp, scallops, squid, and pieces of fresh marine fish.
• Feeding: Feed at dusk or at night, 3 to 4 times a week, until the shark refuses food. Juvenile specimens will require more frequent feedings. Vitamin supplementation is highly recommended to ensure a complete diet.
• Reef Compatibility: Not Reef Safe. While the shark will ignore corals, it is a predator of small invertebrates and fish. It will systematically hunt and consume ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, and any small fish that sleep on the bottom. It is best housed in a Fish-Only with Live Rock (FOWLR) system with large, fast-moving, robust tankmates.
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Predatory. Peaceful towards large fish, but highly predatory toward small, benthic tankmates. It should not be housed with other sharks unless they are a bonded pair or of a similar size with a peaceful temperament. This species is relatively hardy but should only be kept by the Expert Aquarist due to its size, long lifespan (20+ years), and specialized tank requirements.
• Substrate Note: A soft, fine sand substrate is mandatory. Coarse gravel or rock chips can easily abrade its sensitive underside, leading to infection.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Hemiscyllium ocellatum
• Primary Common Name: Epaulette Shark
• Other Common Names: Walking Shark, One Spot Shark, Blotched Epaulette Shark
• Origin: Western Pacific (Northern Australia, New Guinea)
• Max Size: 27-35 inches (70-90 cm); max reported 42 inches
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Predatory
• Diet: Carnivore (Small benthic invertebrates and fish)
• Minimum Tank Size: 200-300 Gallons (Large footprint is critical)
• Reef Compatibility: No (Will eat shrimp, crabs, and small fish)