Papuan Epaulette Shark
Hemiscyllium hallstromi
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
Every order ships with our standard 3-hour live arrival guarantee. Need more time? Add our 5-Day Guarantee at checkout.
Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Expert |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 300 gallons+ |
| Max Size | 24 inches |
| Temperature | 76–82°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Papuan Epaulette Shark (Hemiscyllium hallstromi) is a benthic “walking shark” that spends much of its time on the sandbed and around low rockwork, using its fins to push and crawl along the bottom. Adults can approach roughly 30 inches in length, so it’s best suited to large, footprint-focused systems.
What You’ll Observe:
- Most activity after lights dim, with steady cruising along the perimeter and through open sand lanes
- Regular “perching” under ledges and in caves between short foraging laps
- A deliberate feeding style that responds well to a consistent routine and target-feeding
- Frequent resting on the bottom while still ventilating (you’ll often see rhythmic breathing)
Provide a wide, open sandbed with smooth, fine substrate and stable caves/overhangs so your shark can rest and move comfortably. Offer marine-based meaty foods (like shrimp, squid, and other seafood) and feed to a full, calm response several times per week. With the right layout and predictable feeding, this species settles into a reliable day/night rhythm and becomes a consistent bottom-dweller you’ll see daily.
Do they really “walk,” and is that normal?
Yes—epaulette sharks commonly use their pectoral and pelvic fins to push along the bottom, especially when moving between rockwork and open sand.
Will I see it out during the day, or only at night?
Many keepers notice the most movement in the evening and at night, with daytime hours spent resting under ledges or in caves.
How do most people get them to take frozen/thawed foods reliably?
A consistent feeding spot and gentle target-feeding (tongs or a feeding stick) helps the shark connect scent + location, so it comes in with purpose at mealtimes.
Does sand choice really matter if it spends so much time on the bottom?
Using a smooth, fine sandbed supports comfortable resting and helps protect the underside during routine cruising and turns.
Do they learn their keeper’s routine?
Often, yes—many owners report the shark becomes noticeably more present around typical feeding times and will approach when it recognizes the usual cues.
Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.
Recently viewed products