Morphology
Spotted Wobbegong sharks are bilaterally symmetrical, have a yellow-green or brown color with distinctive O-shaped spots, and can reach a length of 3.2 meters. The average size of an adult male is 1.5-1.8 meters. Wobbegongs have two dorsal fins, an anal fin, and caudal fins.They can easily be distinguished by their flattened heads and bodies. They are often called carpet sharks because of their rug-like appearance. Spotted Wobbegong sharks have long nasal barbels around their mouth and the sides of their head, fang-like teeth, and large spiracles.
Biology
Spotted Wobbegong's biggest predators are in fact, humans. However, they are harmless unless disturbed. Their best survival technique is camouflaging, and they are very aggressive if they are ever attacked. Other species of Wobbegongs are similar in appearance, but the Spotted Wobbegong is special because of their ability to camouflage because of their spotted pattern. Their sharp, fang-like teeth can be seen as a defense mechanism that they use to survive. They have been known to seriously injure, if not kill, their predator if attacked.
Distribution Map
Importance
Spotted Wobbegongs are often captured for their meat. They are considered excellent for eating, even though their skin is very tough. They are also used to make leather because of their uniquely patterned skin. However, the Spotted Wobbegong is of limited commercial value. They are also very popular around Australia, and are safe to dive around, thus providing ecotourism for that area. Wobbegongs feed at night on lobsters, crabs, octopuses, and other kinds of species. They lie on the bottom to wait for prey, and they have been seen to sneak up on them from a distance.
Facts
1. They can reach a maximum length of 10.5 feet.
2. They prefer specific caves to rest in during the day.
3. It is speculated that the word "wobbegong" means "living rock".
4. The name "wobbegong" originates in Australia.
5. This species is said to be nearly undetectable when lying on the bottom.
2. They prefer specific caves to rest in during the day.
3. It is speculated that the word "wobbegong" means "living rock".
4. The name "wobbegong" originates in Australia.
5. This species is said to be nearly undetectable when lying on the bottom.
Vocabulary
1. spiracle - a passageway at the top of a sharks head which allows water to enter the pharynx
2. gill slits - openings in the shark's skin which allow water to enter and flow through the gills
3. adaptation - a characteristic that helps an organism survive or reproduce in its environment
4. dorsal fin - fin located on top of the shark
5. caudal fin - fin located on the back of the shark
2. gill slits - openings in the shark's skin which allow water to enter and flow through the gills
3. adaptation - a characteristic that helps an organism survive or reproduce in its environment
4. dorsal fin - fin located on top of the shark
5. caudal fin - fin located on the back of the shark