Shark
Raja epaulette shark
Hemiscyllium freycineti
Widely sought
A small (up to 72cm) nocturnal carpet shark endemic to Raja Ampat, only formally described in 2013. Uses its fins to "walk" across the reef or between tide pools rather than swim. Best found on night dives around shallow reefs and jetties such as Arborek and Kri Island.
- Max size
- Up to 72cm
- Habitat
- Shallow reef flats and jetties, often under 10m, most active at night
Best places to dive with Raja epaulette shark
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
Arborek Jetty
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Nocturnal — reliably found on night dives, much less likely on day dives. Not month-seasonal.
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 2 sources and checking notes
- The Epaulette Shark: Raja Ampat's Walking Sharks, Papua Diving
- 5 Facts About the Strange and Wonderful Walking Sharks of Raja Ampat, Papua Paradise
Note on the data: Marked imageScarcity: true — this is a narrow-range endemic species only described in 2013, so free stock photography is unlikely to exist; may need a commissioned or operator-licensed image.