The Epaulette Shark

  Not to be underestimated on account of its size, nor because of its passive aura, the epaulette shark has adapted perfectly to its environment and is an ideal demonstration of evolutionary genius.

  Exclusively inhabiting the tidal waters of the Great Barrier Reef, the epaulette shark is often seen by reef divers as it stows away in crevices. A small shark even by reef standards, most epaulettes only grow to around one metre in length and would be at the mercy of luck if confronted by the larger blacktip reef and silvertip sharks which prowl its coral-coated home.

  However, whilst it might be a cowering creature whilst the water is deep and dangerous, when the tide is out and the reef reduced to a mere collection of rock pools, this shark transforms into the indisputable overlord of the environment - a merciless, unpredictable hunter.

  Feeding mostly on crabs and small fish, the epaulette is perfectly suited to life among the rock pools. Its small and cartilaginous body allows it to work its way into the smallest of caves and under the lowest of overhangs in search of prey.

  Whilst its prey are unable to escape the pools in which they are enclosed, the shark itself has the abnormal ability to leave the water and move across dry land, using its small, sturdy fins as legs. Most fish die relatively quickly after emerging from their subaqueous empire, but the epaulette shark, on the other hand - or fin, as the case may be - is able to survive without oxygen for sixty hours longer than a human being by shutting down its internal organs. This queer capability gives the epaulette shark a vital advantage as a hunter, especially considering it has so little time to find a meal before the waters flood back in and it must once again return to its life of concealment from its predacious cousins.

  Commonly seen in aquariums, epaulette sharks are not dangerous to humans. Even when handled they are generally passive, although they have been known to ocationally bite provocateurs - a behaviour that can only be considered natural.

One of the epaulette shark's key
defences is its camouflage.

Despite its unimposing nature, the epaulette shark is an
accomplished hunter.

Because its body is soft, the epaulette
shark can easily squeeze through small
gaps.