Meet The Newly Discovered Walking Shark From Papua New Guinea
Scientists exploring the reefs of eastern Papua New Guinea have discovered a new species of walking shark, bringing the total number of known walking shark species to ten. The finding reveals that these small reef sharks have even more complex distributions and evolutionary histories than previously thought, shaped by millions of years of geological upheaval.
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Contributor
Forbes
3 min read
6/10
Papua New Guinea
Key Takeaways
A new species of walking shark discovered off eastern Papua New Guinea increases the total known walking shark species from nine to ten.
The discovery was made during a 2026 expedition led by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences and the University of Queensland, focusing on shallow reef habitats.
Walking sharks use their pectoral and pelvic fins to walk along the seafloor, an adaptation for navigating coral reefs and tide pools.
The walking shark Papua New Guinea species exhibits unique pigmentation and fin morphology, differentiating it from related species like the epaulette shark.
Geological events such as tectonic plate movements and sea-level changes over millions of years are believed to have isolated populations, driving speciation among walking sharks.
A shark that walks? Scientists have just discovered a new species in Papua New Guinea that does exactly that. Researchers exploring the reefs of eastern Papua New Guinea have identified a new species of walking shark, bringing the total number of known walking shark species to ten. The discovery, reported in June 2026, sheds light on the complex evolutionary history of these unique creatures, shaped by millions of years of geological upheaval in the region. Walking sharks are small reef sharks that use their pectoral and pelvic fins to walk along the ocean floor, a behavior that sets them apart from typical sharks. They are found only in the waters of Indonesia, Australia, and Papua New Guinea, with this latest finding expanding their known range. The team of marine biologists, led by researchers from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences and the University of Queensland, made the discovery during a targeted survey of coral reef habitats. The new species, yet to be formally named, exhibits distinctive markings and fin structures that differentiate it from the nine previously documented species. The discovery underscores the hidden biodiversity of the Coral Triangle, a region known for its rich marine life. It also highlights how tectonic activity and sea-level changes over millennia have driven speciation by isolating populations of these bottom-dwelling sharks. The walking shark Papua New Guinea now joins a list of remarkable endemics, including the epaulette shark and the leopard epaulette shark. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the distribution and diversity of walking sharks, suggesting that more species may await discovery in other isolated reef systems. Conservationists caution that these sharks are highly vulnerable to habitat destruction and climate change, as they rely on shallow reef habitats that are increasingly threatened. The discovery provides a fresh impetus to protect the fragile ecosystems of Papua New Guinea's reefs, which host extraordinary marine life found nowhere else on Earth. The walking shark Papua New Guinea discovery also offers insights into how species can adapt to extreme environments, such as oxygen-poor tide pools. Scientists believe that the walking behavior evolved as a survival strategy for navigating shallow, complex reef structures. Moving forward, researchers plan to conduct genetic analyses to map the evolutionary relationships among all ten species, which could reveal how historical geological events, like the collision of the Australian and Pacific plates, shaped their distribution. The study's lead author, Dr. Christine Dudgeon, noted that 'each new species of walking shark tells us more about the dynamic history of our planet's reefs.' The revelation is a powerful reminder that even in the 21st century, the oceans hold secrets yet to be uncovered. The walking shark Papua New Guinea species serves as a flagship for marine conservation efforts in the region, where local communities and scientists are working together to safeguard biodiversity. As one expedition member said, 'The fact that a shark can walk is astonishing enough, but knowing it evolved right here in these remote reefs makes it even more special.'
Frequently Asked Questions
A walking shark is a small reef shark that uses its pectoral and pelvic fins to walk along the ocean floor. Unlike typical swimming sharks, they have adapted to navigate shallow, complex reef habitats and tide pools by 'walking' on their fins.
As of 2026, there are ten known species of walking shark. The most recent discovery off eastern Papua New Guinea increased the count from nine.
The new walking shark species was discovered in the reefs of eastern Papua New Guinea, part of the biologically rich Coral Triangle region.
Walking sharks evolved the ability to 'walk' as a survival strategy to navigate shallow, oxygen-poor environments such as coral reefs and tide pools. This adaptation allows them to hunt for prey and escape predators in spaces where swimming is less efficient.
The discovery highlights the hidden biodiversity of the Coral Triangle and underscores how geological upheaval over millions of years has driven speciation. It also expands the known range and evolutionary complexity of walking sharks.
Walking sharks are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss, climate change, and human activities such as coastal development and pollution. The new discovery in Papua New Guinea reinforces the need for reef conservation efforts.
