Orectolobus ornatus
Ornate Wobbegong
©Lyle: Ornate Wobbegong at Lizard Island
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Elasmobranchii
Order
Orectolobiformes
Family
Orectolobidae
Genus
Orectolobus
Species
Orectolobus ornatus
Colours
Distinguishing features
A broad, flattened, bottom-dwelling shark with several branched tassles along the wide head margin. Mottled brown, cream and white with irregular dark saddles edged with black between head and first dorsal fin.
Size
- Up to 290 cm (TL)
Depth range
- From 0 m to 100 m
Synonyms
Similar taxa
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
Common bottom shark of inshore continental waters, on algal-covered rocky areas and coral reefs. Nocturnal, resting on the bottom during the day and prowling on its reef habitat at night. Can be found under rocky overhangs and in caves during the day. Can be easily missed due to it's coloration, blending in with algae covered rocks.
Local abundance
- Lizard Island: Very rarely seen. The photographed specimen is only the second known sighting since at least 1990.
Web resources
Danger
- requires treatment - The family "Orectolobidae" or Wobbegongs are capable of reaching around and biting their own tails. Will attack if startled or provoked, which is often the case due to their great camouflage. Not considered aggressive, they have been implicated in attacks on divers, snorkelers and waders.
References
- Allen, G., R. Steene, P. Humann and N. Deloach (2003). Reef fish identification: Tropical Pacific New World Publications Inc., Jacksonville, FL, USA.
- Last, P.R. and J.D. Stevens (2009). Sharks and Rays of Australia.: 2nd Edition CSIRO Publishing, Australia.