The Speckled carpetshark, (Hemiscyllium trispeculare), is a shark belonging to the family Hemiscylliidae found around northern Australia. It inhabits shallow coral reefs. Like its name, it has the appearance of speckled spots all over its body.
Family: Hemiscylliidae – Longtail Carpetsharks
Genus: Hemiscyllium
Species: trispeculare
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Carpet Sharks
Family– Hemiscylliidae
Common Name– Longtail Carpetsharks or Bamboo Sharks
Genus– Hemiscyllium
Species– trispeculare
Status: IUCN Red List LEAST CONCERN
Average Size and Length: The size of hatchlings is unknown. Mature sharks have been measured at less than 56 cm/ 1.8 feet. The maximum recorded has been 79 cm/ 2.6 feet.
Head: The Speckled carpetshark has small dark spots on the snout. It is uniformly light under the head, ventrally.
Tail: The tail is thick and long.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Speckles carpetshark can be found in northern Australia and possibly Indonesia (8°S – 22°S, 114°E – 152°E). They can be found in coral reefs in shallow water, many times under table corals and in tide pools. They prefer tropical waters.
Diet: They possibly mainly feed on benthic invertebrates.
Aesthetic Identification: The Speckled carpetshark has a large black epaulette spot with a conspicuous white ring and 2 curved black marks around the posterior half surrounded by smaller black spots. The body and fins are covered with numerous small and large dark spots separated by a reticular light network. There are no white spots. There are dark saddles on the back and tail extended around the ventral surface.
Biology and Reproduction: Their biology is poorly known, but they are thought to be oviparous.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Their behavior is poorly known.
Speckled Carpetshark Future and Conservation: They are of least concern.
Speckled Carpetshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: They are not a threat to humans.