Tasselled Wobbegong
ExploreAnimal
Tasselled Wobbegong
eucrossorhinus dasypogon
The Tasselled Wobbegong is one of the most visually striking and highly specialized ambush predators of the ocean. Found in the warm coral reefs of the tropical Indo-Pacific, this bottom-dwelling carpet shark is famous for its mind-boggling camouflage. Its name comes from the intricate fringe of branching dermal lobes that outline its broad, flattened head, perfectly mimicking marine algae and weed-covered rock. During the day, it lies almost completely motionless on the seafloor, under ledges, or nestled within complex reef structures, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Under the cover of darkness, this nocturnal hunter becomes more active, using its massive mouth to create a vacuum that sucks in prey. For divers and snorkelers, spotting one of these masterfully disguised sharks is an unforgettable highlight of any underwater excursion.
Habitat: Typically found on shallow coral reefs, reef flats, and inshore channels, often resting in caves or under overhangs.
Appearance
This shark features a highly flattened body, an extremely broad head, and a distinctive fringe of branching skin flaps around the edge of its head, chin, and throat. Its skin boasts a complex, mosaic-like camouflage pattern of dark lines, spots, and reticulations on a light yellowish or brownish background, closely resembling a coral reef surface. It has small, cat-like eyes, two dorsal fins positioned far back on the body, and typically ranges from 120 to 180 centimeters in length.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassChondrichthyesOrderOrectolobiformesFamilyOrectolobidaeGenusEucrossorhinus
Category
AnimalRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Despite their sluggish daytime appearance, they have been known to bite divers who accidentally step on or get too close to their highly camouflaged bodies.
The name 'Wobbegong' comes from an Australian Aboriginal language, meaning 'shaggy beard', referring to the tassels around its mouth.
They are so sedentary that the same individual can often be found resting under the exact same reef ledge day after day, and even year after year.
Special abilities
Ability
Coral Camouflage
Its flattened body and branching dermal flaps allow it to blend seamlessly into coral reefs, making it virtually invisible to both prey and predators.
Ability
Suction Feeding Strike
It can open its wide mouth with incredible speed, creating a powerful vacuum pressure that sucks in nearby fish and crustaceans.
Ability
Caudal Luring
It sometimes wiggles its tail to mimic a small, swimming fish, drawing curious prey within striking range of its mouth.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 120-180 cm
- Weight
- 15-50 kg
- Lifespan
- 15-25 years
- Top Speed
- 15 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 10-24
- Incubation
- 270-330 days
Diet & Feeding
An ambush predator that feeds on reef fishes, cephalopods, and nocturnal invertebrates, often swallowing them whole using suction.
Age differences: Juveniles feed primarily on smaller benthic invertebrates and tiny fishes, whereas adults can consume much larger teleost fish, including other sharks.
Primary Foods
- Reef fish
- Squirrelfish
- Octopuses
- Crabs
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Blotcheye Soldierfish
Myripristis berndti
Hunted by the Tasselled Wobbegong as it shelters in caves and under reef ledges during the night.
mutualism
%2C_mar_Rojo%2C_Egipto%2C_2023-04-17%2C_DD_90.jpg&width=800)
Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse
Labroides dimidiatus
Visits cleaning stations where the wrasse removes parasites and dead skin from the shark's mouth and body.
competitor
Grey Reef Shark
Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos
Competes with the Tasselled Wobbegong for benthic fish and cephalopod prey within the same coral reef ecosystems.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Tasselled Wobbegong?
The easiest way to identify Tasselled Wobbegong is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Tasselled Wobbegong?
120-180 cm
How much does Tasselled Wobbegong weigh?
15-50 kg
How long does Tasselled Wobbegong live?
15-25 years
How fast can Tasselled Wobbegong move?
15 km/h
What does Tasselled Wobbegong eat?
An ambush predator that feeds on reef fishes, cephalopods, and nocturnal invertebrates, often swallowing them whole using suction.
Where is Tasselled Wobbegong usually found?
Typically found on shallow coral reefs, reef flats, and inshore channels, often resting in caves or under overhangs.
How does Tasselled Wobbegong hunt?
Ambush
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.