Sharks settling in to Deep water...

THEIR patterns are so ornate they could be laid on a floor.

But a new collection of carpet sharks, now on display at the Deep submarium in Hull, are no walkover – at least for photographers.

The six epaulette sharks, named after their distinctive shoulder patches, are settling into their new home in the lagoon.

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The mostly nocturnal creatures were due to be unveiled to the media on Tuesday but yesterday were still tucked behind the rocks in their new home with their tails just visible.

They are said to be spectacular when they do emerge.

The creatures are a species of long-tailed carpet shark, found in the Western Pacific in shallow tropical waters around Australia and New Guinea.

They prefer shallow waters and can be commonly found in tidal pools and on coral flats feeding on crustaceans and bony fish.

The Deep's science officer Graham Hill said: "When they are used to the feeding routine and they've been able to explore the tank they are more likely to come out and be seen.

"When they do they are quite comical because they tend to walk around on their pectoral fins rather than swim as they are adapted to crawling around."

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