Hemiscyllium galei Allen & Erdmann, 2008
Cenderwasih Epaulette shark
Hemiscyllium galei
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Hemiscylliidae (Bamboo sharks)
Max. size:  56.75 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 25 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: apparently confined to Cenderawasih Bay, Papua Barat Province, Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  This species of bamboo shark is distinguished by its unique combination of white lines/spots along the margin of the large, dark saddles on the back, scattered white spots particularly on the upper side, and a row of 7-8 well-defined, horizontally-ovate, dark spots on the lower side between the abdomen and caudal-fin base (Ref. 74956).
Biology:  Occurs on shoreline fringing reefs or shallow patch reefs; observed at night at depths of 2-25 m (extreme depth from Ref. 114942), usually seen resting on the bottom, occasionally observed while slowly swimming or 'walking' over the bottom with the pectoral and pelvic fins. Probably sedentary during daylight hours, sheltering under rocky outcrops or tabular corals, typical for other family members (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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