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Wobbegong (Orectolobus maculatus) click here.
Spotted Wobbegong (Orectolobus maculatus)
All images and text on this page are copyright
protected: © 2010 Kelvin Aitken.
All rights reserved. Students may use this information for
personal research only. Not for commercial use.
The Spotted Wobbegong (Orectolobus maculatus) is commonly
found in temperate waters. At times small groups can be found
resting together in caves or ledges. A distinctive small triangle
between the eyes is unique to this species.
Like all wobbegongs the Spotted Wobbegong gives birth to
live young which have hatched out of eggs within the uterus.
The newborn pups are 20 cm long and grow to an adult size
of 3 m or more.
Spotted Wobbegongs have been targeted by New South Wales
fisheries, their meat being used for the fish-and-chip trade.
As a result reefs once littered with Spotted Wobbegongs now
shelter only the occasional individual. Adding to this species'
economic viability is the fact that its hide makes an attractive
leather.
Normally placid, the Spotted Wobbegong can become aggressive
if tempted with bait, such as speared fish or scraps from
cleaned fish. Wobbegongs should never be harassed by grabbing
their tails as they can easily turn and bite within their
own body length.
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