Tasselled Wobbegong (Eucrossorhinus dasypogon)

Family: Orectolobidae

Nine interesting facts about Tasselled Wobbegong:

1. The Tasselled Wobbegong (Eucrossorhinus dasypogon) is a shark species that belongs to the family Orectolobidae that includes the ‘Wobbegongs' and ‘Carpet Sharks'

2. This species is found throughout the warm tropical waters of the western Pacific region and has been recorded in countries such as Papua New Guinea , Indonesia and along the Great Barrier Reef in northern Australia .

3. The Tasselled Wobbegong looks very similar in appearance and is closely related to the Ornate Wobbegong (Orectolobus ornatus ) and the Spotted Wobbegong (Orectolobus maculatus ).

4. This wobbegong shark can be recognised by the continuous fringe of branched tentacles around its mouth. Its body is a light sandy/grey colour with a series of dark edge spots in shades of brown with also some small white blotches all over the body.

5. The reproductive method for wobbegong sharks is known as ovoviviparous which involves eggs being laid within the uterus and hatching before birth so that live babies are born.

6. This shark species is an ambush predator and strikes out at any passing prey such as fish and octopus. It is a master of camouflage and blends in very well with its coral reef surroundings.

7. It can be found on coral reefs from depths of 1 to 20 metres and is considered to be a solitary species. It is often seen under overhangs and ledges and can occasionally be encountered in shipwrecks.

8. Similar to other wobbegong species this shark has the ability to bite its own tail so it pays to heed caution when approaching the Tasselled Wobbegong.

9. The Tasselled Wobbegong grows to a maximum length of approximately 3 metres.

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