Newly Discovered Walking Shark Species in Papua New Guinea: A Groundbreaking Scientific Find

A remarkable new species of walking shark has been discovered off the coast of Papua New Guinea, capable of traversing coral reefs with most of its body out of the water.

Local fishermen have long observed this unique fish, known as Kadededewa, which translates to “dog shark” or “lazy shark.”

This newly classified shark belongs to the Hemiscyllium genus, commonly referred to as walking sharks or epaulette sharks. These fascinating sea creatures navigate by using their pectoral fins like legs and are typically found in Australia and New Guinea.

The new species has been named Hemiscyllium dudgeonae, in honor of Christine Dudgeon, a professor at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, who was part of the team that formally identified this species.

Dudgeon first encountered this walking shark in March 2025, while swimming in a seagrass meadow in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea, only a meter deep.

Initially searching for another species, she unexpectedly stumbled upon the shark: “It was very slow, and after spending some time in the water, I noticed it swimming near the bottom,” she recalled.

Using a flashlight to illuminate the shark, which measured approximately three-quarters of a meter, caused it to freeze in a defensive response. Dudgeon then carefully used a technique called “flip and tuck” to secure the shark for study.

Once securely captured, Dudgeon passed the shark to her colleague, Jess Blakeway, who was stationed on a nearby drifting boat.

Blakeway noted the distinct color pattern immediately, which differed from previously studied species: “It was evident that this shark was unique compared to other documented species,” she stated.

While the other nine known species of walking sharks predominantly feed on invertebrates from the ocean floor, they share similarities in size and appearance. Their skin patterns are their most distinguishing feature.

The species researchers anticipated discovering displayed more leopard-like markings; however, Hemiscilium dudgeonae exhibits a unique arrangement reminiscent of Braille or Morse code, according to Blakeway.

Over the following days, researchers captured 11 additional specimens from the surrounding areas, of which three were retained for detailed study and nine released after sampling.

In the lab, DNA testing confirmed that this new shark species is genetically distinctive from its relatives.

However, the walking sharks of Papua New Guinea face critical threats from habitat destruction, driven by coastal development, expanding palm oil plantations, and coral bleaching.

Researchers believe that Hemiscyllium dudgeonae may only inhabit the Milne Bay area and could be the most endangered species within this group.

“This species contributes to the incredible biodiversity of Papua New Guinea, but urgent conservation measures are necessary to prevent local extinction,” Blakeway urged.