Northern Wobbegong

About the Northern Wobbegong

The Northern wobbegong shark is a reef-associated tropical carpet shark found in the Western Central Pacific, usually in shallow waters across northern Australia.

Biology and Behaviour:

The Northern wobbegong shark is a small broad shark with a marks on its head, body and tail. The head and body have dark and light brown spots, while the tail has dark brown vertical stripes as well. The largest reported length of a Northern wobbegong shark is 63 cm but are thought to be able to grow to 100 cm. The Northern wobbegong shark is a nocturnal shark, inactive during the day and has been seen with its head under ledges during the day. This species of shark is often found in murky water areas, and is associated with caves and ledges on rocky or coral reefs. Commonly found in shallow-water reefs in water less than 3 m deep the Northern wobbegong shark feeds on bottom invertebrates and fishes.

Reproduction:

The Northern Wobbegong shark gives birth to live young. The maturity of a male Northern Wobbegong shark starts at about 45 cm total length.

Conservation:

IUCN lists this species as least concern because there are no known fisheries for northern wobbegong and it rarely appears as bycatch. There’s no evidence that their populations are decreasing.

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Northern Wobbegong Gallery