Wobbegong sharks are masters of camouflage, blending in seamlessly to their rocky habitats.
  • Size

    4.1 feet (1.2 m)
  • Diet

    Bottom-dwelling fish and invertebrates
  • Range

    Western Pacific Ocean
  • Habitat

    Ocean floor on the continental shelf and on offshore reefs

Physical Characteristics

  • The maximum length of 4.1 feet (1.2 m).
  • The head and body are flattened and the pectoral and pelvic fins are broad. Wide mouth; large crescent-shaped spiracle behind each eye.
  • A fringe of branching skin flaps runs continuously from the pectoral fins around the front of the head forming a lace-like beard below the mouth.
  • The back and fins are a brown to beige color with an intricate pattern of light and dark dots and rings. The ventral surface is a whitish-tan.

 

Animal Fact

The name "wobbegong", from the tasselled wobbegong, is Australian aboriginal in origin, but its exact meaning is unknown. It is speculated that it may mean "living rock."

Diet / Feeding

  • Diet consists of bottom-dwelling fish and invertebrates.
  • An ambush predator- lies motionless on the bottom blending into the reef structure until small fish or other prey moves within striking distance, then quickly opens its mouth to suck in the prey.
  • Primarily feeds at night.

Range / Habitat

  • Occurs in the Western Pacific, including Eastern Indonesia, New Guinea, and Northern Australia. Commonly observed on the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Found near the ocean floor on the continental shelf and on offshore reefs.

Reproduction & Growth

  • Ovoviviparous- fertilization of eggs occurs internally; young develop within the female and are born fully-formed.

Conservation Status

  • “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.

Additional Information

  • Master of camouflage; almost undetectable when resting quietly on the bottom.
  • The name “wobbegong” is Australian aboriginal in origin, but its exact meaning is unknown. It is speculated that it may mean “living rock.”

Sources

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