Flattened body, with dermal lobes on side of head. Well developed spiracles behind the eyes. Transverse mouth in front of head. First dorsal fin over the insertion of pectoral fins. Second dorsal fin of same height as first one. Insertion of second dorsal fin above anal fin"s origin. Broad, relatively small pectoral fins. Low caudal fin.
Coloration
Pattern variegated, with conspicuous dark, broad saddles (on dorsal) with light spots, mixed with light areas and dark, light-centered spots.
Distribution
Western Pacific: Japan, Indonesia, Papua, New Guinea, Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South and Western Australia).
Biology
A common inshore bottom-living species of the continental waters. Prefers rocky areas (algae-covered) and coral reefs. Rests during daytime (i.e. nocturnal). Ambush predator with two fanglike teeth in upper jaw, and three in lower jaw.
Diet
Fishes, and invertebrates.
Size
Maximum length about 290 cm, average size between 200 and 250 cm.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (aplacental viviparous).
Similar Species
Other wobbegongs look very similar but their color patterns are very distinctive.
Vulnerability
Category:Least Concern (LC) Criteria: - Last evaluated:2015 Trend:
Danger to Humans
Potentially dangerous. This species is known to bite waders that often cannot see this shark when it is laying in the flat areas but beside that it must be considered a harmless species.
