WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A squat-bodied shark with a large flattened head and fleshy beard.

COLOUR: A well-camouflaged shark. It is pale with a meshwork of darker narrow lines and spots.

SIZE: About 4 ft (1.2 mtr).

TEETH: Enlarged very sharp fang-like teeth.

HABITAT: Tropical inshore reefs and tidepools.

DISTRIBUTION: Western Pacific, including New Guinea and northern Australia.

BIOLOGY:
Prey - Bottom fish and invertebrates
Reproduction- Ovoviviparous.

BEHAVIOUR:
General - The shark is nocturnal; it rests on the bottom by day and prowls the reef at night, clambering about using its paired fins.

DISPOSITION: Usually unaggressive unless provoked.
Danger to humans - Divers have approached and photographed the shark by day without inciting aggression, but it has bitten waders and fishermen in tide pools. Treat with caution because of its formidable dentition.