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September 27, 2026 Fact of the Day Fish One type of shark can walk on land. By Michael Nordine Because normal sharks apparently aren’t terrifying enough, one species, the epaulette shark, can walk on land. Thankfully quite small — typically less than 3 feet long — and largely found in shallow, tropical water near Australia (because of course) and New Guinea, these sharks are best known for their ability to “walk” across the seafloor using their paddle-shaped fins. Because they tend to live among coral reefs with a variety of obstacles to navigate, these creatures evolved the ability to crawl over them rather than merely swim. They can also survive out of water for up to two or three hours, hence why they can also walk on land — something they do in pursuit of prey or merely to escape the low-oxygen tide pools in which they often find themselves. More animal facts that will send chills down your spine Today's Question What animal impales its prey on thorns or barbed wire? Snake Alligator Shrike Parasitic Wasp Keep Exploring Fish How Many Teeth Does a Shark Have? Fish What’s a Walking Catfish? Across Species 10 Animals Plucked Straight From Your Nightmares Was this email forwarded to you? Sign Up Advertise Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use 325 North LaSalle Street, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60654 If you'd like to unsubscribe from all Animal Facts emails, click here.