Internal morphology and function of paired fins in the epaulette shark, Hemiscyllium ocellatum

Paired fins and associated internal structures of the epaulette shark, Hemi scyllium ocellatum, were described on the basis of three specimens. A compa rison with other genera showed the epaulette shark to be characterized by t wo elongated basal cartilages articulating with a distally projecting artic ular condyle on the coracoid, a loosely separated radial series with an int ermediate series, a levator pectoralis inferior muscle and an anterolateral ly developed depressor pectoralis muscle in the pectoral fin, and an elonga ted anterior pelvic basal cartilage articulating with a distally projecting articular condyle and an anterolaterally developed depressor pelvicus musc le in the pelvic fin. In captivity, the sharks exhibited both upright and c rawling behavior on the bottom by using the pectoral and pelvic fins and be nding the body. The distinctive morphological characters are shared by othe r Hemiscyllium species and are suggested as important factors enabling thei r unique behavior associated with a complex coral reef habitat.