Images(3)

Wobbegong Shark

Photographer Valerie Taylor (born 1935)

DateFebruary 1997

Object numberANMS1458[482]

NamePhotographic slide

MediumColour transparency film, paper

DimensionsOverall (Inc carrier): 50 × 50 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Valerie Taylor in memory of Ron Taylor

Terms

DescriptionThe family Orectolobiformes (order Orectolobidae) contains 12 extant species of carpet sharks commonly known as wobbegongs. Wobbegong sharks are known for their distinctive fringed or lobed “beard” around their mouth. They are found in the shallow waters of the Indo Pacific region, especially Australia. They have a mottled pattern on their skin, which allows them to camouflage on the seafloor among rocks and seaweed where they can hide from danger and ambush fish for prey.