FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes Western

Orectolobidae 1245
ORECTOLOBIDAE
Wobbegongs
by L.J.V. Compagno and V.H. Niem
Diagnostic characters: Small to large sharks with considerably depressed bodies, without ridges on
sides.Head very broad and flattened, with unique lateral flaps of skin; gill slits small, fifth well separated
from fourth or close to it but not overlapping; internal gill slits without filter screens; spiracles very large, larger
than eyes and somewhat below and lateral to them; nostrils with long, pointed or branched barbels and
distinct circumnarial folds and grooves around outer edges of incurrent apertures; snout truncated; eyes
dorsolaterally situated on head, with subocular pockets; mouth fairly large, nearly terminal on head, and
nearly transverse, with a symphyseal groove on chin; teeth strongly differentiated in jaws, with 3rowsof
fang-like teeth at the upper symphysis and 2 rows at the lower; teeth with a median cusp, lateral cusplets
variably present or absent, and weak labial root lobes; tooth rows 23 to 26/19.Dorsal fins equal sized, first dorsal
fin with origin over or slightly behind the pelvic-fin insertions and insertion far behind rear tips of pelvic fins;
pectoral fins moderate sized or large, broad and rounded, slightly larger than pelvic fins, with fin radials not
expanded into fin web; pelvic fins larger than dorsal and anal fins; anal fin somewhat smaller than second dorsal
fin, with its origin about opposite rear 1/3 of second dorsal-fin base or insertion; anal fin with broad base
and subrectangular apex,separated by a narrow notch much less than base length from lower caudal-fin
origin; caudal fin with its upper lobe hardly elevated above the body axis, less than 1/4 as long as the entire
shark, with a strong terminal lobe and subterminal notch but without a ventral lobe.Caudal peduncle without
lateral keels or precaudal pits. Supraorbital crests present on cranium, not laterally expanded. Intestine valve of
ring type. Colour: colour pattern highly developed, including dark and light spots, dark saddles, rings, and
reticulations on back.
dermal flaps
depressed body
Habitat, biology, and fisheries: These are common bottom
sharks of warm-temperate to tropical continental waters of the
western Pacific, occurring from the intertidal down to at least
110 m. They are often found on rocky and coral reefs or on sandy
bottom, where they lurk and are concealed in part by their cryptic
coloration and dermal lobes on their heads. All species are
ovoviviparous, with large litters of 20 or more young. They are
sluggish sharks and known to feed on bottom fishes and
invertebrates. They are utilized for food and for their colourful
skins which are sometimes used for leather. Wobbegongs of all
sizes, but especially the larger individuals, should be regarded as
potentially dangerous and should be treated with due respect.
anal fin present
fang-like teeth
anteriormost part of head
(ventral view)