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COMMON NAMES;
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Banded wobbegong, Ornate wobbegong (misidentification) |
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LATIN NAME(S);
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Orectolobus halei |
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FAMILY;
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Orectolobidae |
| IDENTIFICATION; |
A large species of Wobbegong with no warty tubercles on head or body; four groups of dermal lobes (skin flaps) below and in front of eyes on each side of head; no dermal lobes on chin; nasal barbel closest to mouth branched; five to six lobes in second preorbital group (rarely four) with lobes at extremities usually longer and branched; broad branched postspiracular groups.
Covered in an intricate pattern dominated by nine dark irregular saddles edged with black lines followed by grayish coloration. Light brown and gray freckle-like blotches between saddles..
Previously thought to be the adult form of the Ornate Wobbegong (O.ornatus), the Banded Wobbegong has recently been elevated to species status.
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| SIZE; |
To at least 206cm. |
| HABITAT; |
Temperate rocky reefs and bays. Intertidal to 100m. |
| DISTRIBUTION; |
New South Wales to Western Australia. |
| BEHAVIOR; |
An ambush predator. Remains motionless blending with reef structure until small fishes swim within striking range. Then, rapidly opens mouth sucking in its prey. Actively hunts at night for octopus, crabs, and other sharks. |
| REPRODUCTION; |
Ovoviviparous |
| REACTION TO DIVERS; |
Remains at rest relying on camouflage unless harassed. Has been reported to have bitten divers that got too close to its mouth even when not disturbed. |
| DIVE OPERATOR; |
This article was written about the banded wobbegong sharks the author encountered while diving Fish Rock around the East Coast of Australia. To set up an opportunity to dive Fish Rock for a chance to encounter these sharks, contact:
Fish Rocks Dive Center.
EDITOR'S NOTE: When planning any shark trip make sure to do your homework. There is NEVER any guarantees you will see any sharks at these dive sites. Luck and time of year is the most important factor for any shark trip.
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