Image Bank - Sharks and Rays
Ornate Wobbegong, swimming
Reference |
IB0052 |
Category |
Sharks and Rays |
Family Name |
Wobbegongs - ORECTOLOBIDAE |
Common Name |
Ornate Wobbegong, swimming |
Scientific Name |
Orectolobus ornatus |
Artist Name |
Roger Swainston |
Notes |
Wobbegongs rest immobile on the sea floor in caves or beneath ledges during the day and feed nocturnally on a wide variety of invertebrates and fishes including crayfish, crabs and octopus. Endemic to Australia, the term wobbegong is an Aboriginal word that translates as “shaggy beard,” referring to these dermal flaps around their mouth, which aid not only with camouflage, but act as lures to attract their prey. Source : Swainston’s Fishes of Australia |