New Walking Shark Species Discovered in Papua New Guinea

Australian scientists discovered a new species of shark in Papua New Guinea that walks on its fins, according to reports from RNZ and New Scientist on June 19, 2026. The shark belongs to a group of bottom-dwellers capable of navigating shallow reefs and tide pools by using its pectoral and pelvic fins to push itself along the seafloor.

The discovery was reported by 1News and other regional outlets, identifying the animal as a member of the walking shark family found in the Pacific. These sharks differ from most other species by their ability to move across land-like surfaces under shallow water, a trait that allows them to hunt in areas other predators cannot reach.

How do walking sharks move on the seafloor?

The new species uses its muscular pectoral and pelvic fins to “walk” rather than swim in a traditional manner. According to New Scientist, this movement allows the shark to traverse uneven coral terrain and move between isolated tide pools during low tide.

This biological adaptation is not unique to this specific new species but is a hallmark of the Hemiscyllium genus. By pushing off the substrate, these sharks can survive in oxygen-poor environments that would be lethal to other shark species. They don’t rely solely on constant swimming to move water over their gills.

Where was the new species discovered?

The shark was found in the waters of Papua New Guinea, a region known for high marine biodiversity. RNZ reported that Australian researchers identified the species during expeditions in the Pacific, where the complex coastline and numerous islands provide isolated habitats for evolutionary divergence.

Papua New Guinea’s geography creates natural barriers that often lead to the development of endemic species. This new find suggests that more undocumented species may exist in the region’s shallow coastal zones.

Why is this discovery scientifically significant?

The identification of a new walking shark species provides data on how marine animals adapt to extreme shallow-water environments. Researchers note that the ability to “walk” represents a specialized evolutionary path that maximizes foraging opportunities in reef systems.

This discovery contrasts with the broader understanding of shark biology, which typically emphasizes open-water predation and streamlined swimming. While most sharks are built for the pelagic zone, this species is built for the margins of the ocean.

The find also highlights the importance of the “Coral Triangle” and surrounding Pacific waters. According to scientific reporting, the region serves as a critical laboratory for studying speciation and the impacts of climate change on shallow-water habitats.

What does this mean for Pacific marine conservation?

Finding new species in Papua New Guinea underscores the need for protected marine areas in the Pacific. Because these sharks live in shallow coastal zones, they are more vulnerable to human activity, coastal development, and rising sea temperatures than deep-sea sharks.

Conservationists argue that documenting these species is the first step toward protecting their habitats. If a species is only found in a few specific tide pools or reefs, a single local environmental disaster could lead to its extinction before it is even fully studied.

The research team continues to analyze the genetic makeup of the new species to determine how it differs from other known walking sharks in the region. This data will help map the evolutionary timeline of the Hemiscyllium genus across the Pacific islands.