INDONESIAN BAMBOOSHARK OR HASSELT’S BAMBOOSHARK
One shark that is patterned when young, but disappears when adult
The Indonesian bambooshark or Hasselts bambooshark (Chiloscyllium hasselti) is a shark belonging to the family Hemiscylliidae found in the Indo-west Pacific from Burma, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. They have been found inshore to 39 feet. The fins are dusky in color. Juvenile sharks have beautiful patterns of dark bands and blotches.
Family: Hemiscylliidae – Longtail Carpetsharks
Genus: Chiloscyllium
Species: hasselti
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Carpet Sharks
Family– Hemiscylliidae
Common Name– Longtail Carpetsharks or Bamboo Sharks
Genus– Chiloscyllium
Species– hasselti
Status: IUCN Red List NEAR THREATENED
Average Size and Length: Hatchings have been measured between 9-12 cm/ 3.5-4.7 inches. Mature males have been measured between 44-54 cm/ 1.4-1.8 feet. The maximum recorded length has been 2 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The mouth is placed far in front on the snout and is small and terminal.
Head: There are large spiracles just behind the eyes. There are small nasal barbels.
Tail: The tail is thick and long. The caudal fin has a pronounced subterminal notch but without a ventral lobe.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Indonesian bambooshark or the Hasselt’s bambooshark can be found in the Indo-west Pacific in Burma, Vietnam, and Indonesia from Sumatra to New Guinea (23°N – 10°N, 91°E – 133°E). They are probably close inshore to 39 feet. They are considered tropical.
Aesthetic Identification: The adult Indonesian bambooshark or Hasselt’s bambooshark are typically uniformed medium to dark brown, unpatterned except for dusky fins. The juvenile sharks have prominent saddle marks and dark blotches on the fins. There are broad dusky patches with conspicuous black edging separated by light areas and blackish spots. The dorsal fins can have straight or convex rear margins, and they are long. The anal fin is low and it is set far back on a very thick and long tail. The origin of the first dorsal fin is over the rear of the pelvic fin bases. There are no body ridges. The body is long, slender and cylindrical.
Biology and Reproduction: They are oviparous. They attach their eggs to benthic marine plants. The eggs hatch in December.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Indonesian Bambooshark or Hasselt’s Bambooshark Future and Conservation: They are considered near threatened.
Indonesian Bambooshark or Hasselt’s Bambooshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.