Shark - Wobbegong

Characteristics

The head and 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.

Size

Reaches a length of 3 m and a weight of over 70 kg.

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 m deep) where rock and weed are prominent.

Confusing species

There are two species of Wobbegong Shark commonly found in coastal waters of NSW: the Banded (pictured) and the Spotted Wobbegong. Spotted Wobbegongs have distinctive white rings in their patterning.