Morphologies description of Halmahera epaulette shark endemic species (Hemiscyllium halmahera, Allen & Erdmann, 2013) in North Maluku Sea

Abstract

Halmahera Epaulette Shark (Hemiscyllium halmahera) is an endemic fish in the North Maluku sea. This species was first discovered in two spots of Halmahera waters namely Ternate and Bacan in 2013. Halmahera Epaulette Shark research was continue in Weda and Kao Bay in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Those previous studies, however, did not reveal the morphological description of this species in the other part of the Halmahera Islands. This research was made to enhance the information about this species from the other part of Halmahera waters with a purpose to describe the morphology of Halmahera epaulette shark. The study was carried out in remote areas of Loleo, Tidore, Maitara, Mare, and Lelei Island in 2018. Photos of fish were documented, some meristic and morphometric characters and body weigt were measured. Halmahera epaulette shark has many local names. Observation results showed that many dark brown spots with different patterns and shapes were present with 0.5-1.2 cm in diameter. The total and standard lengths were 40-63 cm and 35-55 cm, respectively. Head length and head width ranged from 7-12 cm and 3-6 cm, respectively. The head height ranged from 9-10 cm. The body circumference of fish ranged between 11-24 cm. Pectoral fins length ranged from 4-6 cm. The dorsal fin length ranged from 5-6 cm. The lower tail length ranged from 4-6 cm. The upper tail length ranged from 4-6 cm. Fish mouth type is subterminal with pointed teeth.