Australian Ornate Wobbegongs hold large prey items in their mouths for days in a very strong grip until they die, allowing the Wobbegong to swallow its victim without a struggle.
Common name: Ornate Wobbegong
Scientific name: Orectolobus ornatus
Photo: G. McNeil
Australia has several unique wobbegongs. Find out about their hunting and feeding habits.
Sharks
Ornate Wobbegong
Ornate Wobbegongs live on rocky or weedy seabeds close to shore. They are sometimes found at depths of 100 m.
The skin flaps around the mouth and the colour of the Ornate Wobbegong help it blend in with the rocks and seaweed.
Ornate Wobbegongs eat invertebrates and small bony fishes. They catch their food mainly by scavenging around on the sea floor.
Ornate Wobbegongs' teeth are long, slender, and piercing.
Ornate Wobbegongs can grow up to 3 m long.
Ornate Wobbegongs give birth to as many as 20 live young at a time.
Ornate Wobbegongs are usually not aggressive, but divers should be careful around them because they are big and have sharp teeth.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2003
