The epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) is perhaps the most famous of the walking sharks, renowned for its ability to “walk” over reef flats and even survive out of water during extreme low tides. Found mainly in Australia and New Guinea, it uses its strong pectoral fins to move between tidepools in search of food. This small, harmless species is easily recognized by the large black “epaulette” spot behind each pectoral fin, giving it both its name and a distinctive appearance.