Wobbegong Shark (Orectolobus maculatus)
Hidden among coral and sand, the wobbegong shark waits in stillness, its patterned skin a masterpiece of camouflage. Only when it moves does its outline emerge — a slow, deliberate motion revealing a creature perfectly designed for invisibility.
Scientific Snapshot
Scientific Name: Orectolobus maculatus
Common Names: Wobbegong shark, spotted wobbegong, carpet shark
Average Size: Typically 1.5 to 3 meters (5–10 feet)
Habitat: Coral reefs, rocky bottoms, and shallow coastal areas
Diet: Small fish, crustaceans, and octopus
Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Range: Western Pacific Ocean — primarily around Australia and Indonesia
From the Field
The story…