Researchers have formally described a new walking shark species from the reefs of Papua New Guinea, adding a fresh branch to one of the ocean's most unusual shark groups. The species has been named Hemiscyllium dudgeonae, and it is known for moving across shallow reef flats using fin-like limbs rather than relying only on swimming.
For local communities, the animal was already familiar and carried a traditional name that roughly means "dog shark" or "lazy shark." But until now, it had not been scientifically recognized. The discovery came from a broader survey of walking sharks in eastern Papua New Guinea, where researchers explored reefs, lagoons, and coastal habitats through diving, snorkeling, and reef-walking surveys.
Distinct markings led to a closer look
The team was not originally searching for a new species. Their goal was to better map known walking sharks and understand their conservation status. During fieldwork in Milne Bay, however, they found a shark with a striking pattern of pale dashes across its brown body. That design differed from the leopard-like spots seen in related species.
Because color patterns can vary, the researchers combined physical observations with genetic testing. DNA analysis confirmed that the Milne Bay population was genetically distinct from all previously described members of the genus. The finding marks the first new species identified in this group since 2013.
The study also suggests that walking shark ranges in eastern Papua New Guinea are more complex than once thought, with different species sharing nearby regions in a patchwork of habitats.
A rare species with a narrow range
The newly described shark appears to live in a very limited area centered on Milne Bay. That makes its future especially important to watch, since species with small ranges can be more sensitive to changes in reef ecosystems. The researchers plan to gather more data on its population size, distribution, and ecology to support future assessments by the IUCN Red List.
Published in the Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation, the study highlights how much biodiversity still remains to be documented in coastal ecosystems. Discoveries like this can sharpen conservation science and help guide a more informed future for reef life.