This carpet shark is a long, slender shark that tends to be creamy or brown with small dark spots. Commonly found on shallow coral reefs habitats up to 50 m. It feeds at low tide and is generally most active at dusk and dawn. Their diet consist on small fish, crustaceans, worms and other invertebrates.

It is oviparous, the female releases paired ellipsoid egg cases under coral heads, and can have up to 20 young a year.

The Epaulette shark has two large black spots surrounded by a white margin located above the pectoral fins, giving rise to its common name.

Conservation status