Author: Whitley, 1967
Field Marks:
Unique black hood on head, also, mouth well in front of eyes, spineless dorsal fins far posterior on tail, extremely elongated thick precaudal tail, long and low anal fin just anterior to caudal fin, white spots on body.
Diagnostic Features:
Body stouter, and snout less swollen and elongated than H. ocellatum. Colour pattern with a unique black 'executioner's hood' on head, and scattered large white spots on body, also some small dark spots but no conspicuous ocellus on shoulder region; no dark crossbands on ventral surface of tail.
Geographical Distribution:
Western South Pacific: Papua New Guinea, Indonesia (Irian Jaya).
Habitat and Biology:
A little-known inshore bottom shark of singular and unique appearance, probably on coral reefs.
Size:
To about 75 cm total length.
Interest to Fisheries:
None at present.
Type material:
Holotype: Australian Museum, Sydney? Type Locality: New Guinea.