FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes Western

1248 Sharks
Orectolobus ornatus (de Vis, 1883)
En - Ornate wobbegong; Fr - Requin-tapis paste; Sp - Tapicero ornamentado.
Maximum total length to about 2.9 m. A common bottom-shark of continental waters, found on
algal-covered rocky areas and coral reefs to depths of at least 100 m. Nocturnal, probably feeds
on bottom invertebrates and fishes. Interest to fisheries limited; skin very tough and attractively
patterned, and making a good leather. Western Pacific from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and
Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia).
(after Last and Stevens, 1994)
Orectolobus wardi Whitley, 1939
En - Northern wobbegong; Fr - Requin-tapis savetier; Sp - Tapicero zapatilla.
Maximum total length at least 63 cm. A little-known, but possibly common tropical inshore bottom
shark of the continental shelf. Presumably feeds on bottom invertebrates and fishes, but diet
unrecorded. Of minor interest to fisheries at present. Northern Australia from Queensland to Onslow
(western Australia).
(after Last and Stevens, 1994)
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