OrectolobiformesAttack Relevant

Spotted Wobbegong

Orectolobus maculatus

Max Length

1.25m

Overview

A highly camouflaged ambush predator of Australian coastal reefs. Uses elaborate skin flaps and a mottled pattern to blend into the seafloor. Responsible for a small number of incidents, nearly always when inadvertently stepped on.

Habitat

Tropical inshore reefs and tidepools.

Distribution

Southwest Pacific & Australia

Western Pacific, including New Guinea and northern Australia.

Behavior

The shark is nocturnal; it rests on the bottom by day and prowls the reef at night, clambering about using its paired fins.

Human Safety

Usually unaggressive unless provoked.

Biology

Diet: Bottom fish and invertebrates
Reproduction: Ovoviviparous

Appearance

Dorsal: A well-camouflaged shark. It is pale with a meshwork of darker narrow lines and spots.

Dentition

Upper jaw: Enlarged very sharp fang-like teeth.

Sources:sharksorg

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the spotted wobbegong dangerous to humans?

The spotted wobbegong is considered relevant to human-shark incidents and has been recorded in the Global Shark Attack File. As with any large shark, encounters in the wild should be avoided.

Where does this species data come from?

Species profiles are compiled from peer-reviewed taxonomy and published references. Incident data is sourced from the Global Shark Attack File and joined to species records by name match.

Back to species

OrectolobiformesAttack Relevant

Spotted Wobbegong

Orectolobus maculatus

Back to species

Max Length

1.25m

Overview

Habitat

Tropical inshore reefs and tidepools.

Distribution

Southwest Pacific & Australia

Western Pacific, including New Guinea and northern Australia.

Behavior

The shark is nocturnal; it rests on the bottom by day and prowls the reef at night, clambering about using its paired fins.

Human Safety

Usually unaggressive unless provoked.

Biology

Diet: Bottom fish and invertebrates
Reproduction: Ovoviviparous

Appearance

Dorsal: A well-camouflaged shark. It is pale with a meshwork of darker narrow lines and spots.

Dentition

Upper jaw: Enlarged very sharp fang-like teeth.

Sources:sharksorg

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the spotted wobbegong dangerous to humans?

The spotted wobbegong is considered relevant to human-shark incidents and has been recorded in the Global Shark Attack File. As with any large shark, encounters in the wild should be avoided.

Where does this species data come from?

Species profiles are compiled from peer-reviewed taxonomy and published references. Incident data is sourced from the Global Shark Attack File and joined to species records by name match.

Back to species