Key Identification Features
- michaeli are relatively large, have distinct edges, and are more leopard-like in appearance.
- A very large black spot ringed with white sits behind each pectoral fin; this pair of distinctive spots gives the shark its common name.
- The shark’s coloration provides protective camouflage, and its distinctive epaulette spots are hypothesized to act as eyespots to distract or deter predators.
- Whitespotted bamboo sharks have a very distinct dorsal fin that can influence where they choose to live and their methods of mobility.
For instant identification in the field, use the iNature app — AI-powered, works offline.
