Wobbegong Shark

The Wobbegong Shark (Orectolobus maculatus), aka Spotted Wobbegong are yellow-green or brown in color with saddle- and O-shaped markings. The body and head of the Wobbegong are flat in shape, and the mouth has a protruding jaw that aids in the capture of prey. The Wobbegong has nasal barbels and hanging tassels on and around the head and body. There are 2 dorsal fins, the first originating over the pelvis, the second just before the anal fin. The caudal fin is short and the pectoral and pelvic fins are broad.

They reach a maximum length of 10.5 feet (3.2 m) with the average size of an adult male at between 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m).

Feeding occurs mainly at night and includes large prey such as fishes, crayfish, crabs and octopuses.

It is found in relatively shallow waters in the eastern Indian Ocean, western Queensland, southern Australia, and possibly (though not probable) Japan and the South China Sea. They are found on the continental shelf, from the intertidal zone to 360 feet (110 m). They are commonly found on coral and rocky reefs, under piers, and on sandy bottoms. They have also been known to swim in water so shallow that it barely covers their body.