#orectolobidae

[have-you-seen-this-animal]

have you done the wobbegong shark yet (specifically the spotted wobbegong)? they’re so delightful

I haven't done the spotted wobbegong yet!

Have you seen the spotted wobbegong (Orectolobus maculatus)?

I have now

Yes, in photos/videos

Yes, irl

I'm not sure

Voting ended onDec 16, 2025

[snototter]

An Indonesian wobbegong shark (Orectolobus leptolineatus) shows off its camouflage off the coast of Alor, Indonesia

by Iain Fraser

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

Don’t step on this carpet-- it just might bite back! Carpet sharks are masters of camouflage, spending hours lying on the ocean floor waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass by. These sharks are also known as Wobbegong sharks-- the word Wobbegong is thought to come from the Australian Aboriginal language Dharug and means ‘shaggy beard’ referring to the tassels lining its mouth.

(Image: A spotted wobbegong (Orectolobus maculatus) by Erik Schlögl)

If you like what I do, consider leaving a tip or buying me a ko-fi!

[fuckyeahaquaria]

Wobbegong Shark | Orectolobidae

[darigankyrii]

Attempting to make a Wobbegong shark customization for Orectolobidae and this is the best i can figure out so far since none of the Jetsam colors are really vibing with me. I think this covers the ‘beaded’ pretty well

[have-you-seen-this-animal]

Wobbegong shark please?

Sure! I'll pick a random species.

Have you seen the tasselled wobbegong (Eucrossorhinus dasypogon)?

I have now

Yes, in photos/videos

Yes, irl

I'm not sure

Voting ended onOct 12, 2025

[wallpapers4screen]

[drhoz]

#1861 - Orectolobus floridus - Floral Banded Wobbegong

Woodman Point, Perth

A small, recently described carpet shark, found only off the coast of SW Australia. Up to 75cm in length. Other species can reach 3 meters.

The word wobbegong is believed to come from one of the many Australian Aboriginal languages, and means "shaggy beard", referring to the growths around the mouth. The scientific name is likewise - orektos, Greek for  ‘stretched out' and lobos ‘rounded projection or protuberance’.

There’s 12 species of wobbegong, mostly around Australia and Indonesia, but one is found as far away as Japan. 

Wobbegongs are ambush predators, waiting on the seafloor for smaller fish to wander into nomming range. Despite their small size, definitely the local shark that divers avoid - if grabbed by the tail, these sharks can and will bend right around to bite, and their rear-pointing teeth make it very difficult for them to let go. They’ll also do that if you accidentally step on them, which leads to incidents like people walking out of the water with a small shark firmly attached to their calf.