Broad and flat headed with upward facing eyes and a blotted skin tone - do you know who we're talking about? Wobbegong sharks are bottom dwelling, nocturnal creatures who enjoy living in the warm waters of the tropical and western Pacific oceans. With dappled skin and the ability to dislocate their jaws for a tasty treat, these sharks are not only interesting in design but also in nature. If you want to learn a thing or two about these funny looking sharks, then read on for our top facts about wobbegong sharks.
1. Origins of the name
Let's start off our wobbegong facts by highlighting that there are 12 species of wobbegong sharks within the Orectolobidae family. Wobbegongs, also known as carpet sharks, are believed to get their name from the Australian Aboriginal word wobbegong, meaning 'shaggy beard' in reference to their appearance (more on that in a moment).
2. Carpet by name, carpet by appearance
As we mentioned, wobbegong sharks are commonly called carpet sharks and this is due to their intricate, blotted patterns that decorate their skin, giving them the appearance of an ornate carpet that lies on the floor. This blotted skin tone allows them to effectively camouflage and blend into the seafloor, where they prefer to spend most of their time.
3. Flat bodies
Adding to their carpet appearance, wobbegong sharks have distinctly flattened bodies, so they really are like a carpet. This flat shape, combined with their camouflage, makes them almost invisible when they lie (like a carpet) on the seabed.
4. Fringing
Our final point on the wobbegong's appearance is their fringed skin flaps (that look like tassels on the edge of some carpets...). Wobbegong sharks have fringed skin flaps, or dermal lobes, around their heads and mouths. These flaps further allow them to camouflage, as it breaks up the outline of the shark so they blend into their surroundings even more.
5. Ambush predators
With all of these funky physical traits, you would think that wobbegongs would stand out from the reef crowd, but in fact all of these adaptions have allowed the wobbegong to seamlessly blend into their surroundings. The mottled patterns, flat bodies and fringing dermal lobes allow the wobbegong to rest under ledges or on the ocean floor, waiting patiently for their prey. And, as ambush predators, they have to wait a while.
6. One gulp
When a tasty looking fish passes by, wobbegong sharks strike. Fast. Using their powerful jaws and sharp teeth, they lunge forward and grab their prey, often swallowing it whole. Another interesting fact about wobbegong sharks is their strong suction capacity and ability to dislocate their jaws, which allows them to literally hoover down their prey (which can be very large) in one gulp.
7. Creatures of the night
Wobbegong sharks are primarily nocturnal creatures, meaning they're most active and hunt at night. This behaviour is largely due to their relatively poor eyesight, which makes nighttime hunting more effective as they rely on other senses to locate prey - such as their sensitive fringing lobes. During the day, these sharks prefer to rest, often lying motionless on the seafloor - so be careful not to step too close to one when paddling in the shallows.
8. Sometimes they get confused...
Okay, it's not really a fact about wobbegong sharks but more of an occasional observation. When mistaken for a small fish, wobbegongs have been seen to bite their own tail with their lighting speed. Due to their poor eyesight and sensitive lobes around their mouths, should their tail disturb them when they're not expecting it, wobbegongs will bite it before realising what it is...
9. Stay still...
An interesting fact about wobbegongs is that, unlike many other shark species that need to keep swimming to breathe, wobbegongs have an adaptation that allows them to remain stationary. They can actively pump water over their gills using specialised cheek muscles, ensuring a constant flow of oxygen-rich water. This ability not only allows them to rest during the day but also aids in their ambush hunting strategy, as they can lie in wait for prey without expending much energy on movement.
10. Reproduction
Again, wobbegongs differ slightly from some of their fellow shark friends, in that wobbegongs are ovoviviparous. This means they give birth to live pups - sometimes up to 20 at a time. The female produces a batch of eggs, which hatch into live young while still inside the mother before being born. Once born, the pups leave the mother almost immediately… in case they get eaten by her.
If you enjoyed this blog you may also like our Top Ten Coral Facts, Top Ten Octopus Facts and Top Ten Nudibranch Facts
