WOBBEGONGS

Wobbegong (good name!) is the common name given to eight species of carpet sharks. The word wobbegong is believed to come from an Australian Aboriginal language.

They are found in shallow temperate and tropical waters of the western Pacific Ocean, chiefly around Australia and Indonesia, although one species occurs as far north as Japan.

Wobbegongs are bottom-dwelling sharks which spend much of their time resting on the sea floor, often among rocks or under ledges. The largest species, the spotted wobbegong, grows up to 3.2 metres long. Wobbegongs are well camouflaged with a symmetrical pattern of bold markings which resemble a carpet, and that is where they get their name. The camouflage is improved by the presence of small vegetation-like flaps of skin around the wobbegong's mouth. Wobbegongs make use of their relative invisibility to hide among rocks and ambush smaller fish which swim too close (animals which feed in this way are called ambush predators).

Wobbegongs are generally not dangerous unless they are provoked. They have bitten people who accidentally step on them in shallow water; they may also bite scuba divers or snorkellers who poke or handle them, or who block their escape route. Wobbegongs are very flexible and can easily bite a hand that is holding on to their tail. They have many small but sharp teeth and their bite can be severe, even through a wetsuit. To avoid being bitten, do not harass or encircle a wobbegong when diving, and pay close attention near the bottom to avoid accidental contact with a wobbegong you have not seen.

Although wobbegongs do not eat humans, humans frequently eat wobbegongs; the flesh of a wobbegong or other shark is called flake and it is often used in 'fish and chips' shops in Australia, of which there are many. Wobbegong skin is also used to make leather.

 All sharks hold a fascination to us humans.