Epaulette shark - Hemiscyllium ocellatum
Named after the two large dark spots behind the pectoral fins that resemble military epaulettes, the epaulette shark is native to the waters of the western Pacific around New Guinea and northern Australia. It is one of 16 species of longtail carpet sharks and reaches an adult length of just over 3ft. Like all species in the Hemiscylliidae family it has a long, slender body that allows for it to maneuver into and around narrow crevices on the reef while hunting for its benthic invertebrate prey, which it may chew for several minutes. Its nocturnal habits and tendency to be caught in small tidal pools has led to a remarkable adaptation for survival in oxygen-depleted habitats: It can selectively switch off nonessential body functions for several hours with no ill effects, and, as a result, can even survive complete anoxia (oxygen deprivation) for an hour at temperatures as warm as 86°F. The epaulette shark doesn't usually swim unless escaping a predator, but rather "walks" along the sea floor by bending its body from side to side and pushing with its muscular pectoral and pelvic fins. These fins have reduced cartilaginous supports compared to those of other sharks, allowing for an increased range of movement and the ability to use them as limbs.