Hemiscyllium ocellatum
| Identification | The Epaulette Shark is a slender species that has a large black ocellus (eye-like spot with a marginal ring) above the pectoral fin and widely spaced black spots on the body. It has two similar sized dorsal fins and an anal fin positioned just anterior to the tail |
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| Maximum Length | 42″ |
| Origin | Australia, the Epaulette Shark occurs from Shark Bay, Western Australia around the northern coastline of the continent south to at least Newcastle, and possibly to Sydney |
| Minimum Tank Size | 180 Gallon , Babies can be kept in 85-100 gallons but they grow fast. |
| Reef Compatibility | Depends on what is in the reef. Will eat crustaceans and small fish. |
Behavior
It is a bottom-dwelling species which lives primarily in warm, shallow waters where it eats bottom-living invertebrates. Very docile and un-intimidated shark. One of the best sharks for home aquarium keeping. Males of this species attain sexual maturity at a length of 59 to 70 cm (23 to 28 inches), while females are sexually mature at 60 to 65 cm (24 to 26 inches) in length.
Diet & Feeding
Epaulette sharks feed mainly on benthic invertebrates (worms, crabs, shrimp, and small shellfish), possibly also small fishes.
Cautions
May topple corals not securely attached to rockwork. Can be aggressive when feeding.