Shark ( Wobbegong) Orectolobus ornatus
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Distribution - Wobbegong sharks occur along the east coast from southern Queensland through to Western Australia, including Tasmania. They inhabit shallow, inshore waters (less than 100 metres deep) where rock and weed are prominent.
Size - Reaches a length of 3 metres and a weight of over 70kg.
Characteristics - The head & body are various shades of brown forming mottled patterns, and they have numerous skin flaps around the mouth. Wobbegong sharks can become aggressive if disturbed, and are able to reach back and bite a hand holding their tail.
Confusing species - There are two species of wobbegong shark commonly found in coastal waters of New South Wales: the banded (pictured) and the spotted wobbegong. Spotted wobbegongs have distinctive white rings in their patterning.