Wobbegong

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Wobbegong is the common name given to the 12 species of carpet shark in the family Orectolobidae. They are found in shallow temperate and tropical waters of the western Pacific Ocean and eastern Indian Ocean, chiefly around Australia and Indonesia, although one species (the Japanese wobbegong, Orectolobus japonicus) occurs as far north as Japan.

The word wobbegong is thought to come from an Australian Aboriginal language and means shaggy beard,[1] referring to the growths around the mouth of the shark.

Description

Wobbegongs are bottom-dwelling sharks, spending much of their time resting on the sea floor. Most species have a maximum length of Script error: No such module "convert"., but the largest, the spotted wobbegong, Orectolobus maculatus, and banded wobbegong, O. halei, reach about Script error: No such module "convert". in length.

Wobbegongs are well camouflaged by a symmetrical pattern of bold markings resembling a carpet. Because of this striking pattern, wobbegongs and their close relatives are often referred to as carpet sharks.

The camouflage is improved by the presence of small weed-like whisker lobes[2] surrounding the wobbegong's jaw, which help to camouflage it and act as sensory barbs. Wobbegongs make use of their camouflage to hide among rocks and catch smaller fish that swim too close, typical of ambush predators. Wobbegongs also have powerful jaws with needle-like teeth to assist in catching reef fish and other sharks for food. The blood cells of several species of wobbegong have been described.[3]

Interaction with humans

Wobbegongs are generally not considered dangerous to humans[4] but have attacked swimmers, snorkelers and scuba-divers who inadvertently come close to them.[4] The Australian Shark Attack File contains more than 50 records of unprovoked attacks by wobbegongs[4] and the International Shark Attack File 31 records,[5] none of them fatal. Wobbegongs have also bitten surfers.[6] Wobbegongs are very flexible and can easily bite a hand holding their tail.[7] They have many small but sharp teeth and their bite can be severe, even through a wetsuit; having bitten, they have been known to hang on and can be very difficult to remove.[8]

There are many more attacks by humans on wobbegongs: in Australia wobbegong skin is used to make leather.[9]

Captivity

Although most wobbegong species are unsuitable for home aquaria owing to their large adult size, this has not stopped some of the smaller species from being sold in the aquarium trade.[10] Small wobbegong species, such as the tasselled wobbegong and Ward's wobbegong, are "ideal" sharks for home aquarists to keep because they are an appropriate size and are lethargic, enabling them to be accommodated within the limited space of a home tank, although they will consume tankmates, even quite large ones.[10] Some aquarists, by contrast, see the lack of activity to be a drawback to keeping wobbegongs and prefer more active sharks.[10] Wobbegongs are largely nocturnal and, owing to their slow metabolism, do not have to be fed as often as other sharks. Most do well on two feedings weekly. Underfed wobbegongs can be recognised by visibly atrophied dorsal musculature.[10]

Genera and species

File:Orectolobus leptolineatus alor.jpg
Orectolobus leptolineatus

The 12 living species of wobbegong, in three genera, are:[11]

Fossil genera include:

Conservation status

Conservation status of extant wobbegong species
Species Common name(s) IUCN Red List status Population trend Reference
Eucrossorhinus dasypogon Tasselled wobbegong Least concern Stable [14]
Orectolobus floridus Floral banded wobbegong Least concern Stable [15]
Orectolobus halei Gulf wobbegong, banded wobbegong Least concern Stable [16]
Orectolobus hutchinsi Western wobbegong Least concern Stable [17]
Orectolobus japonicus Japanese wobbegong Least concern Decreasing [18]
Orectolobus leptolineatus Indonesian wobbegong Near Threatened Decreasing [19]
Orectolobus maculatus Spotted wobbegong Least concern Unknown [20]
Orectolobus ornatus Ornate wobbegong Least concern Unknown [21]
Orectolobus parvimaculatus Dwarf spotted wobbegong Least concern Stable [22]
Orectolobus reticulatus Network wobbegong Least concern Unknown [23]
Orectolobus wardi Northern wobbegong Least concern Stable [24]
Sutorectus tentaculatus Cobbler wobbegong Least concern Unknown [25]

See also

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References

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External links

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