Wobbegong is the common name given to the 12 species of carpet sharks in the family Orectolobidae. They are found in shallow temperate and tropical waters of the western Pacific Ocean and eastern Indian Ocean, chiefly around Australia and Indonesia, although one species (the Japanese wobbegong, Orectolobus japonicus) occurs as far north as Japan.

Known as “carpet sharks” because of the ornate patterns on their bodies, wobbegong species include the spotted wobbegong and the floral banded wobbegong. One species of wobbegong, dubbed the tasseled wobbegong (and seen here), has a fringe of dermal lobes around its entire head, each of which is elaborately branched.

Wobbegongs are one of nature’s most fascinating shark species, instantly recognisable by their intricate carpet-like patterns and distinctive whisker-like appendages. These unique carpet sharks, found primarily in Australian waters, comprise 12 different species within the family Orectolobidae.

The spotted wobbegong (Orectolobus maculatus) is a carpet shark in the family Orectolobidae, endemic to Australia. It is a large, robust species, typically reaching 150–180 centimetres (59–71 in) in length.

Spotted wobbegong sharks, Orectolobus maculatus (Bonnaterre, 1788), aka wobbegongs, reach a maximum length of 3.2 m with the average size of adult males between 1.5-1.8 m. These amazing sharks are mottled yellow-green or brown in color with saddle- and O-shaped markings.

The spotted wobbegong (Orectolobus maculatus) is a carpet shark in the family Orectolobidae, endemic to Australia. It is a large, robust species, typically reaching 150–180 centimetres (59–71 in) in length. Coloured green, yellow, or brown, it has …

The 12 Different Species Of Wobbegong Sharks. As previously mentioned, there are 12 currently known different species of Wobbegong sharks, and these 12 species can fit in 3 different genera which are listed below. Genus Orectolobus. This is the genus which 10 of the 12 Wobbegong sharks species are part of and these are:

The sharks spend much of their time flattened against the sea floor — a perfect carpet-like disguise. There are about a dozen species of wobbegongs. Most of them grow up to a few feet in length. The biggest species tops out at about nine feet. Perhaps the most elaborate-looking species is the tassled wobbegong.

Variety of Wobbegong Shark Species. In the wobbegong family, we find a myriad of species, 12 in total, each with unique characteristics. Some of these include the Spotted wobbegong, Tasselled wobbegong, Ornate wobbegong, and Orectolobus. These sharks showcase a stunning array of adaptations and camouflage techniques, allowing them to blend ...

The Spotted Wobbegong has a pattern of dark saddles, white o-shaped spots and white blotches. The species is widely distributed in subtropical and temperate Australian waters.