Wobbegongs are a genus of carpet shark in the family Orectolobidae, in the order orectolobiformes. These sharks live in the Eastern Indian Ocean and Western Pacific Ocean around Australia to as far north as Japan.
Description[]
Most Wobbegong species do not typically grow longer than 1.25 meters (4 feet), however, the spotted wobbegong (Orectolobus maculatus) has been recorded to grow up to around 3 meters (9.8 feet).
Wobbegongs are bottom-dwelling sharks, so they are very well camouflaged. Small whisker lobes around the jaw look slightly akin to underwater vegetation and assist in not only camouflage but also sensory purposes.
Behavior[]
Feeding Habits[]
Wobbegongs are ambush predator that lie in wait for fish, crustaceans, cephalopods and smaller sharks. Some species can use their tails as lures to draw in prey by wiggling their tails to mimic swimming fish. They are lunge-feeders, sucking up prey in a swift attack that draws in water as well as their prey. Larger prey is dismembered by way of a "death roll" similar to that performed by crocodiles.
Reproduction[]
Wobbegongs are ovoviviparous. Depending on the species, they can have upwards of 20 pups or more per litter.
Interaction with Humans[]
Wobbegong do not typically attack humans, however, there are a number of instances of unprovoked attacks. Despite the Wobbegongs' small teeth, their its bite can be quite severe, and they are very difficult to handle. The Australian Shark Attack File has 50 records of unprovoked attacks on humans by Wobbegongs, and the International Shark Attack File has 28 records.
Wobbegong are not typically suitable for home aquaria due to their large size, however, they are sometimes found in public aquariums as well as larger private aquariums. Smaller species are the most likely to be found in the hands of private aquarists. During the day, they are quite lethargic, which makes them appeal to some aquarium owners. Wobbegongs are mostly nocturnal and do not have to be fed as much as many other sharks due to their slow metabolism.
Genera and Species[]
There are 12 extant species and 3 extant genera of Wobbegong currently recognized.
- Genus Eucrossorhinus
- Eucrossorhinus dasypogon (tasselled wobbegong)
- Genus Orectolobus
- Orectolobus floridus (floral banded wobbegong)
- Orectolobus halei (Gulf wobbegong or banded wobbegong)
- Orectolobus hutchinsi (western wobbegong)
- Orectolobus japonicus (Japanese wobbegong)
- Orectolobus leptolineatus (Indonesian wobbegong)
- Orectolobus maculatus (spotted wobbegong)
- Orectolobus ornatus (ornate wobbegong)
- Orectolobus parvimaculatus (dwarf spotted wobbegong)
- Orectolobus reticulatus (network wobbegong)
- Orectolobus wardi (northern wobbegong)
- Genus Sutorectus
- Sutorectus tentaculatus (cobbler wobbegong)
There is one currently named fossil genus.
- Genus Eometlaouia