Spotted Wobbegong - Orectolobus maculatus

SPOTTED WOBBEGONG -Orectolobus maculatus

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

A squat-bodied shark with a large flattened head and fleshy beard. 

COLOR:

A well-camouflaged shark. It is pale with a meshwork of darker narrow lines and spots.

SIZE:

About 4 ft [1.2 m].

TEETH:

Enlarged very sharp fang-like teeth.

HABITAT:

Tropical inshore reefs and tidepools.

DISTRIBUTION:

Western Pacific, including New Guinea and northern Australia.

BIOLOGY: 

Prey - Bottom fish and invertebrates 

 

Reproduction - Ovoviviparous.

BEHAVIOR:

General - The shark is nocturnal; it rests on the bottom by day and prowls the reef at night, clambering about using its paired fins.

DISPOSITION:

Usually unaggressive unless provoked. 

 

Danger to humans - Divers have approached and photographed the shark by day without inciting aggression, but it has bitten waders and fishermen in tidepools. Treat with caution because of its formidable dentition.