Summary

The reproductive cycles of three species of wobbegong: the spotted wobbegong, the dwarf ornate wobbegong and the large ornate wobbegong were investigated to provide a biological basis for the management of the commercial fishery targeting these sharks in NSW waters. The sexual maturity of female wobbegongs was based on the appearance of the ovary and uterus, whereas the sexual maturity of males was determined by the degree of calcification of the claspers. Female dwarf ornate, spotted and large ornate wobbegongs became sexually mature at lengths of 807 mm, 1270 mm, and 1743 mm, respectively. Male dwarf ornate, spotted and large ornate wobbegongs became sexually mature at lengths of 805 mm, 1281 mm and 1784 mm, respectively. All three species of wobbegong had 3-year reproductive cycles. In females, the follicles took two years to enlarge and mature with ovulation occurring in November. Pregnancy in the dwarf ornate and spotted wobbegongs lasted 10 – 11 months and pups were born during September and October when 200 – 230 mm long. Dwarf ornate wobbegongs gave birth to litters averaging 9 pups, whereas spotted wobbegongs gave birth to litters averaging 21 pups. Unfortunately, no pregnant large ornate wobbegongs were caught over the period of the study. Dwarf ornate and spotted wobbegong female that were either pregnant or had large, yolky follicles in their ovaries were only captured at sites to the north of Sydney. These observations suggested that there may be geographical differences in reproductive behaviour. These differences may be associated with migratory movements and these potential linkages will require further examination in the future.