🦈 Discovery of a new species of shark that moves by walking

In the shallow waters of Papua New Guinea, researchers have uncovered a shark that moves by walking on the seafloor, never observed before.

This specimen is a species of carpet shark, named Hemiscyllium dudgeonae. Using its pectoral and pelvic fins, it advances along the coral reefs in an unexpected manner. Divers spotted it during an expedition, and Christine Dudgeon, a researcher at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia, shared her excitement after capturing this unusual animal.


The discovery occurred while the team was searching for a well-known species, the Michael's walking shark, which has leopard-like patterns. But the newcomer displayed small white dashes and brown spots, a distinctive pattern. In just two days, eleven other individuals were located at three different sites. This consistency convinced scientists that it was indeed an undescribed species.


Genetic analyses conducted in the laboratory confirmed that it was a new species. By comparing the DNA of these specimens with that of the other nine species of walking sharks, scientists validated their hypothesis. This discovery brings the number of known species of these peculiar sharks to ten.

These sharks are distinguished by their ability to "walk" on the ocean floor using their pectoral and pelvic fins. This adaptation allows them to remain active even at low tide, when oxygen levels drop in residual pools. They can thus continue hunting their prey on reef flats, an environment where conditions are extreme.


According to studies, some walking sharks can survive for several hours in oxygen-poor waters. However, the exact mechanisms of this resistance remain to be elucidated. Researcher Christine Dudgeon states that further research is needed to understand this exceptional ability.

For now, H. dudgeonae has only been observed at three sites. If this limited distribution is confirmed, the species could be vulnerable to climate change, habitat degradation, or overfishing. Walking sharks tend to stay close to the reefs where they were born, which hinders their ability to recolonize damaged areas.

This discovery shows that new shark species can still be found in little-explored regions. The team plans to continue surveys in Papua New Guinea to study this shark in its natural environment. As Dudgeon recalls, the diversity of sharks is far greater than we imagine, and most pose no danger to humans.

Walking sharks: an adaptation to an extreme environment

Sharks of the genus Hemiscyllium live in the shallow waters of coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. Their ability to "walk" with their pectoral and pelvic fins is a unique adaptation. This locomotion allows them to move across reef flats during low tides, when pools can become isolated. Under these conditions, dissolved oxygen can drop dramatically.


Unlike large pelagic sharks, these small carpet sharks are benthic: they live near the bottom. Their elongated bodies and robust fins give them a peculiar, almost reptilian gait. This form of movement is so effective that it allows them to hunt crustaceans and small fish in areas inaccessible to other marine predators.

Scientists believe this adaptation is the result of evolution in a tropical reef environment where tides create extreme conditions. The ability to survive in low-oxygen environments complements this adaptation. Some studies have shown that these sharks can tolerate oxygen levels that would be lethal for other fish.

This tolerance to hypoxia is still poorly understood. Future research could reveal unique physiological mechanisms, such as adaptations in metabolism or blood circulation. These discoveries could even inspire medical applications in humans.