Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Orectolobiformes
Family: Orectolobidae
Genus: Eucrossorhinus
Species: E. dasypogon
Conservation Status
The Tasselled Wobbegong belongs to the carpet shark family and is a relatively flat organism characterized by its near camouflage ability and its tasseled “beard”. These sharks have a light beige to brown coloring with spots varying in shade that allow these critters to blend into the ocean floor.
The Tasselled Wobbegong can grow to approximately four feet in length and they have a wide mouth with 3 rows of teeth on their upper jaw and 2 on the bottom.
The Tasselled Wobbegong resides in the Western Pacific Ocean and can be found within the Great Barrier Reef of Northern Australia. They mainly spend their time on the ocean floor, the continental shelf, and coral reefs.
The Tasselled Wobbegong feeds off fish and invertebrates, such as crabs, small octopi, and squirrelfish, that dwell near the ocean floor. They are ambush predators, and use thier crypsis, or camoflauge, to blend into the ocean floor and wait for their prey to approach. Once their chosen meal is within striking distance, the tasselled wobbegong will move swiftly and “suck” the creature into their mouth to eat.
Tasselled Wobbegongs are ovoviviparous, meaning that the female’s eggs are fertilized internally and the offspring are born fully developed. After the eggs hatch, the young remain inside the mother to grow more. Babies, or young tasselled wobbegongs, are called pups and are seven to eight inches when they are born. Interestingly, the fetuses get their nourishment from the egg yolks instead of from the mother’s own diet.
Once the offspring are born, they receive no parental care and tend to stay grouped together for survival.
The name “wobbegong” is of Australian Aboriginal origin and means “shaggy beard”, denoting the critter’s distinct fringe surrounding its head.
