The Ornate Wobbegong Shark Report: So many things have happened this month: we all went to the Keys, had a great time, threw rocks at iguanas, saw a chupacabra… But have to give the highlight of the month to our own April Green Peters and Sean Duncan Slater, who were married right here in Cocoa Beach this month on November 19. All us boys were very proud to be in attendance for your great day, and wholeheartedly wish the both of ya’ll the best in your lives together. (No pictures of the morning after the Keys’ night please, Kelly!) Special thanks to Rick and Eric Super for keeping us alive and for keeping the secret of the chupacabra safe! That’s our thing!
As I do change things from time to time, I’ve decided to make this one of my last shark articles. I feel that after nearly five years, I need to tell ya’ll about some of the other creatures in these parts. One of the last and coolest of the sharks I’ll cover is one I wanted to supply me with a leather seat cover for the cycle I always wished I had. That shark: Orectolobus ornatus, the ornate wobbegong shark.The ornate wobbegong shark is another of the more unusual species. It is considered a medium-sized shark, with maximum lengths reaching around 9.5 feet, though they are usually found at considerably smaller sizes. It is unlike most other sharks in its general appearance; it has a considerably flattened head similar to others in this family. Although like most others it is dark above and whitish below, it has a dark yellowish color, with dark rectangle-shaped markings covering its dorsal surface. Distinctive characteristics include two similar-sized dorsal fins that are set close together and very far back toward the tail. The head and general body shape is extremely flattened, and the pectoral and pelvic fins are large and broad. Also present are fleshy lobes around the mouth and head of this species, giving it a very unique appearance, although it is quite similar to that of the spotted wobbegong.
The teeth of this shark are very long and pointed, and have been described as being “enlarged fangs.” The ornate wobbegong is found throughout most of Australia and in the South China Sea, in from the intertidal zone to depths of about 360 feet. It is mostly found in shallow waters under reefs and near piers in sandy bottoms. Primarily an ambush hunter, it waits covered in the sand until an unsuspecting fish or invertebrate ventures near. Besides these bursts of energy, it is usually considered a sluggish species, and is most likely to be found resting on the bottom. It has been reported to feed on primarily on squid, octopi, and crustaceans, as well as species of reef fish. Like most other species of shark, especially the ambush predators, anything that comes near its mouth is fair game — even other sharks.The ornate wobbegong is generally not aggressive, but like most sharks, it will attack if provoked. Often, this occurs after being mistakenly stepped on, or by divers putting limbs too close to its mouth. Like the nurse sharks of our waters, this species is reluctant to release once it has bitten down, and the extremely sharp teeth can inflict a nasty wound. If you find yourself in Australian waters, don’t mess with it! According to the International Shark Attack File, there have been 39 confirmed attacks in the past by wobbegong sharks on humans. I am unsure as to how many of these are specific to this species, but they are definitely not to be messed with.
The flesh of this shark is considered quite tasty, and it is commonly caught in commercial fishing gear. The skin of this species is highly prized in the specialty leather trade, but despite this, it is considered a pest by lobster fishermen, as it will often entangle itself in the traps. This shark is currently listed as both “Vulnerable” and “Near Threatened” in several areas of its range. They are an integral part of the ecosystems of the world, and as such, deserve our continued admiration, respect and conservation.
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