Shark
Raja epaulette shark
Hemiscyllium freycineti
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
| 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
This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.
- 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.