ExploreFish

spotted wobbegong

Orectolobus maculatus

The spotted wobbegong is a unique shark that looks like a big, flat carpet! It has cool patterns on its body that help it blend in with the ocean floor, making it a great hunter.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The spotted wobbegong has a flattened, broad body covered in a mosaic of dark saddles and white rings against a yellowish-brown background. Its head is fringed with elaborate, leaf-like dermal lobes, giving it a 'shaggy' appearance that helps it disappear into reef environments.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassElasmobranchiiOrderOrectolobiformesFamilyOrectolobidaeGenusOrectolobus
spotted wobbegong
whiskered trait badgespotted trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badge
spotted wobbegong

Category

Fish

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

They are surprisingly tough, able to survive out of water for short periods!

They can pump water over their gills without swimming, staying perfectly hidden!

Unlike many sharks, they have powerful jaws and many small, sharp teeth.

Wobbegongs are a type of carpet shark, named for their flattened, carpet-like appearance.

Special abilities

Ability

Camouflage Master

Spotted wobbegong has a flattened, patterned body and frilly skin flaps that help them blend perfectly into rocky and sandy seafloors.

Ability

Ambush Predator

Spotted wobbegong can wait perfectly still for hours, using its camouflage to surprise unsuspecting fish and invertebrates passing by.

Ability

Mouth Lure

Spotted wobbegong has small, whisker-like skin flaps around its mouth that help lure curious prey closer for a quick strike.

Measurements & details

Length
150-320 cm
Weight
50-150 kg
Lifespan
10-20 years
Swim Speed
5 km/h
Maximum Depth
110 m
Water Type
Saltwater

Diet & Feeding

They eat small fish and other ocean creatures by ambushing them from the seafloor.

Primary Foods

  • small fish
  • octopuses
  • crabs
  • lobsters

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

eats

Dash-and-dot goatfish

Parupeneus barberinus

hunts them from camouflage

eats

Common octopus

Octopus vulgaris

snatches unwary cephalopods

eaten by

Grey nurse shark

Carcharias taurus

larger sharks prey on them

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always watch from a distance and never touch wild animals in the ocean.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is spotted wobbegong?

150-320 cm

How much does spotted wobbegong weigh?

50-150 kg

How long does spotted wobbegong live?

10-20 years

What does spotted wobbegong eat?

They eat small fish and other ocean creatures by ambushing them from the seafloor.

How fast can spotted wobbegong swim?

5 km/h

Where is spotted wobbegong usually found?

Coastal areas

How does spotted wobbegong hunt?

Ambush

How deep can spotted wobbegong go?

110 m

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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