Ornate Wobbegong (species: Orectolobus ornatus) in Lizard Island Field Guide (Lizard Island Field Guide)
Orectolobus ornatus
Ornate Wobbegong


©Lyle Vail: Ornate Wobbegong at Lizard island

©Lyle Vail: Ornate Wobbegong at Lizard island

©Lyle Vail: Ornate Wobbegong at Lizard Island
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Elasmobranchii
Order Orectolobiformes
Family Orectolobidae
Genus Orectolobus
Species Orectolobus ornatus

Colours

                   

Distinguishing features

A broad, flattened, bottom-dwelling shark with 5 or 6 flap-like dermal lobes on each side of the head in front of the eye and none on the chin. Mottled brown and cream with irregular dark saddles edged with black between head and first dorsal fin. A small white spot is conspicuous behind each spiracle.

Size

  • From 20 cm to 110 cm (Length of specimen) - applies to All

Depth range

  • Depth range data is not yet available.

Synonyms

Similar taxa

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution

Local abundance

  • Lizard Island: Very rarely seen.

Web resources

References

References that assist with identification

  • Allen, G., R. Steene, P. Humann and N. Deloach (2003). Reef fish identification: Tropical Pacific New World Publications Inc., Jacksonville, FL, USA.

Other references

  • Last, P.R. and J.D. Stevens (2009). Sharks and Rays of Australia.: 2nd Edition CSIRO Publishing, Australia.