Tasselled Wobbegong Shark

Threat Level: low

TASSELLED WOBBEGONG SHARK

Scientific name...........Eucrossorhinus Dasypogon

Family name..............Orectolobidae

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Tasselled wobbegongs are an unusual shark and are distinguished by flattened elongated bodies, very broad, flat, head which is highly patterned and well-camouflaged. They have many branched dermal lobes on their head which the edge looks like it is fringed and beard-like on the chin.

SIZE

The Tasselled Wobbegong is one of smaller wobbegongs of the 7 species, reaching approximately 48 inches long. At birth they measure about 8 1/2 inches.

TEETH

The mouth is studded with sharp, narrow teeth.

COLOR

Tasselled wobbegongs have two color patterns; one with a network of tan lines on a gray background, or dark brown lines , on a light brown background.

FEEDING HABITS

At night they feed on bottom fishes, possibly invertebrates. Wobbegongs are known to ambush, stalk and lure their prey and use a quick strike to catch their prey, because their jaws are very capacious it enables them to capture large prey. When it captures a larger prey, it holds it in its vise-like jaws until subdued.

BEHAVIOUR

They are nocturnal, possibly solitary. This species rest by day with curled tail on bottom of caves and under ledges.

HABITAT

Southwest Pacific: Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia. They live on the bottom of warm temperate to tropical seas, often found on rocky and coral reefs. They are commonly found in caves, or beneath ledges during the day time.

REPRODUCTION

Tasselled wobbegongs are presumed to be ovoviparous.

SHARK ATTACKS

They can have a potentially dangerous bite if provoked, captured or disturbed.

POPULATION REPORT

Common.