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Hooded carpet shark (Hemiscyllium strahani)
Hooded carpet shark fact file
- Description
- Biology
- Range
- Habitat
- Status
- Threats
- Conservation
- Find out more
- Glossary
- References
- Print factsheet
Hooded carpet shark description
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Chondrichthyes |
| Order | Orectolobiformes |
| Family | Hemiscylliidae |
| Genus | Hemiscyllium (1) |
The hooded carpet shark is a little known species with a restricted range around the island of New Guinea (1). Scattered, large white spots and small dark spots cover most of its body, but it is a unique black mask over the head and snout, said to resemble an ‘executioner’s hood’, that gives the species its name (2) (3).The mouth is positioned well in front of the eyes, and the dorsal fins are located far back on the long, thick tail (2).
- Size
- Max length: 80 cm (2)
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Related species
Hooded carpet shark biology
The biology of the hooded carpet shark is almost entirely unknown, but this nocturnal species does appear to hide in crevices and under coral heads during the day (1) (2). In addition, like other closely related carpet shark species, it probably reproduces oviparously (2) (3).
TopHooded carpet shark range
The hooded carpet shark is endemic to New Guinea, where it occurs off the northern and southern coasts of the island’s eastern extent (1).
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Species with a similar range
Hooded carpet shark habitat
Inhabits tropical waters over coral reefs, where it is typically observed at depths of 3 to 18 metres (1)
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Species found in a similar habitat
Hooded carpet shark status
Classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List (1).
Hooded carpet shark threats
Owing to high levels of pollution and dynamite fishing practices, there is substantial habitat degradation taking place within the hooded carpet shark’s limited and somewhat fragmented range. Furthermore, as a hardy and attractive species, there is some concern that it is being exploited in the aquarium industry (1).
TopHooded carpet shark conservation
Further scientific research is required to determine the conservation status of the hooded carpet shark. Currently, there are no conservation measures in place for this under threat species (1).
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View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. |
Find out more
To find out more about the hooded carpet shark, see:
- Compagno, L.J.V. (2001) Sharks of the World. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of shark species known to date. Vol. 2: Bullhead, mackerel and carpet sharks (Heterodontformes, Lamniformes and Orectolobiformes). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome.
Authentication
This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact: arkive@wildscreen.org.ukTopGlossary
- Dorsal fins
- The unpaired fins on the back of the body of fish, or the raised structure on the back of most cetaceans.
- Endemic
- A species or taxonomic group that is only found in one particular country or geographic area.
- Oviparously
- Ovipary is the method of reproduction in which eggs are laid and embryos develop outside of the mother’s body.
References
- IUCN Red List (September, 2008)
http://www.iucnredlist.org/ - Compagno, L.J.V. (2001) Sharks of the World. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of shark species known to date. Vol. 2: Bullhead, mackerel and carpet sharks (Heterodontformes, Lamniformes and Orectolobiformes). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome.
- Shark Foundation (October, 2009)
http://www.shark.ch/Database/Search/species.html?sh_id=1159#TH
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Image credit
Hooded carpetshark showing spiracle
© Andre Seale / imagequestmarine.com
Image Quest Marine
The Moos
Poffley End
Witney
Oxfordshire
OX29 9UW
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1993 704050
Fax: +44 (0) 1993 779203
info@imagequestmarine.com
http://www.imagequestmarine.com/stock
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