Indonesian speckled carpetshark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Indonesian speckled carpetshark |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Hemiscyllium
|
| Species: |
freycineti
|
 |
|
| Range of the Indonesian speckled carpetshark (note: It is only found in the far western part of the blue) | |
The Indonesian speckled carpetshark is a type of shark that lives in the ocean. Its scientific name is Hemiscyllium freycineti. This shark belongs to the Hemiscylliidae family, also known as bamboo sharks.
You can find this shark in the shallow waters around the Raja Ampat Islands. These islands are located in West Papua, Indonesia. For a long time, people thought this shark lived in more places. However, scientists later realized they were confusing it with another shark.
Scientists discovered a similar shark, H. michaeli, in 2010. That shark lives in eastern Papua New Guinea. The Indonesian speckled carpetshark has smaller, rounder spots. These spots sometimes form 8 to 9 dark bars on its body and tail. The other shark, H. michaeli, has larger, more leopard-like spots. It also has a very clear black spot behind its pectoral fin (the fin near its head). Sometimes, old books show pictures of H. michaeli but call it H. freycineti.
About the Indonesian Speckled Carpetshark
This shark can grow up to about 46 centimeters (18 inches) long. That's less than half a meter! It is a nocturnal animal, which means it is most active at night. During the day, it likes to hide. It usually finds safe spots in the cracks and crevices of coral reefs.
Why is it called that?
The Indonesian speckled carpetshark was named to honor a French explorer. His name was Louis de Freycinet (1779-1841). He was the person who first collected a sample of this shark. This sample helped scientists describe and name the species.
See also
- List of sharks
- Carpet shark
