Fish nocturnal

Indonesian Bamboo Shark

Chiloscyllium hasseltii

Meet the 'walking' shark of the Indonesian archipelago. This slender, nocturnal hunter navigates the seafloor with surprising grace, using its fins like feet to explore the hidden corners of the reef.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

straighten

Size

Grows up to 60 cm (24 inches) in total length; a small and slender species.

palette

Colors

Adults are generally a uniform grey-brown or tan; juveniles possess distinct dark transverse bands and occasional black spots that fade with age.

visibility

Key Features

Slender, elongated body with a rounded snout
Muscular pectoral and pelvic fins used to 'walk' along the seafloor
Two dorsal fins of similar size located near the rear of the body
Large spiracles (breathing holes) located just below the eyes

When You’ll See Them

schedule

Activity pattern nocturnal

brightness_5

Peak hours 9 PM - 3 AM

calendar_month

Season Year-round

restaurant

Diet A benthic feeder that preys on small shore crabs, shrimp, mollusks, and small bony fish found in reef cracks.

park

Habitat Inshore coastal waters, specifically coral reefs, rocky tide pools, and seagrass beds.

bar_chart
Loading activity data...

Behavior

The Indonesian Bamboo Shark is a primarily nocturnal hunter that spends the daylight hours tucked away in the safety of coral crevices, rocky ledges, or thick seagrass. Unlike many shark species that must remain in constant motion to breathe, this species uses 'buccal pumping' to pull oxygenated water over its gills while remaining perfectly still on the seafloor.

One of its most distinctive behaviors is its method of movement. Rather than swimming through open water, it often uses its stout, muscular fins to 'walk' across the seabed, navigating the complex architecture of the reef. They are extremely docile and non-aggressive toward humans, typically relying on their camouflage to remain undetected by both predators and prey.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

Capturing the Indonesian Bamboo Shark on camera requires an underwater setup, ideally positioned near the 'benthic zone' or seafloor. For coastal residents or those with access to shallow reefs, place your camera housing at a depth of 3 to 10 feet during low tide, ensuring it is weighted or secured to a heavy base. Position the lens horizontally, roughly 6 inches above the sand, to capture the shark's unique 'walking' gait as it passes by.

Lighting is the biggest challenge when filming these nocturnal creatures. These sharks are light-sensitive and may be startled by bright white LEDs. To get the best footage without altering their behavior, use an infrared (IR) light source or a camera with high-sensitivity low-light sensors. If using visible light, a dim red filter is recommended, as most sharks have difficulty seeing red light, allowing you to observe their natural foraging patterns undisturbed.

Because these sharks frequent the same hiding spots, look for 'resting holes' under coral heads during the day. If you find a shark tucked away, set your camera nearby to trigger when it emerges after sunset. A scent lure, such as a perforated container filled with crushed oily fish or crab, can be placed just outside the camera's field of view to encourage the shark to linger and investigate, providing a longer window for a high-quality capture.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Indonesian Bamboo Shark.

Grey Bamboo Shark

The Grey Bamboo Shark lacks the specific dark spotting often seen in adult Hasselt's and has a slightly different dorsal fin shape.

Brownbanded Bamboo Shark

Grows much larger (up to 40 inches) and has thicker, more pronounced dark 'saddle' bands as a juvenile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indonesian Bamboo Sharks are strictly nocturnal. They are most active during the middle of the night, typically between 9 PM and 3 AM, when they emerge from reef crevices to hunt for crustaceans.

You can attract Indonesian Bamboo Sharks by placing a scent lure, such as crushed shrimp or squid in a mesh bag, near your camera. Ensure the camera is placed low on the seabed near rocky ledges or reef edges.

Their diet consists mainly of bottom-dwelling invertebrates including small crabs, shrimp, and marine worms, as well as the occasional small fish found hiding in the reef.

They are common in inshore coastal areas of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. While not 'suburban' in the traditional sense, they are frequently found in shallow waters very close to docks, piers, and beachfront properties.

Look at the snout and fins; the Indonesian Bamboo Shark has a more rounded snout and specific fin spacing compared to the Grey Bamboo Shark. Juveniles have distinct dark bands that are more regular than those of the Brownbanded Bamboo Shark.

Record Indonesian Bamboo Shark at your habitat

Connect a camera to start building your own species record — AI identifies every visitor automatically.

Join free Identify a photo