science
New Walking Shark Species Described from Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea
Researchers have described Hemiscyllium dudgeonae, the tenth known walking shark species, found only in Milne Bay. The discovery adds to documented marine biodiversity in the region.
New ScientistAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Researchers have identified Hemiscyllium dudgeonae as a new species of walking shark in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea. The species is the tenth recorded in the genus Hemiscyllium. Christine Dudgeon of the University of the Sunshine Coast first encountered a specimen after midnight in March 2025 while swimming in one metre of water over seagrass.
The shark measured nearly three-quarters of a metre long. Dudgeon and colleague Jess Blakeway, also at the University of the Sunshine Coast, led the formal identification along with additional researchers. The team captured 12 individuals across three locations in Milne Bay over several days.
Three sharks were retained for laboratory study. Nine others had tissue samples taken before release. DNA tests confirmed that Hemiscyllium dudgeonae is genetically distinct from all other species in the genus.
The sharks display numerous spots and dashes on their skin. The species is believed to occur only among the coral reefs of Milne Bay. Walking sharks of the genus Hemiscyllium are known only from Australia and New Guinea, and all nine previously known species feed on small seafloor invertebrates and share similar body size and shape.
Hemiscyllium dudgeonae is named after Christine Dudgeon. 20575429. Papua New Guinea walking sharks face threats from coastal development, palm oil plantation expansion, and coral bleaching.
