Common
Names:
Wards wobbegong, Northern wobbegong.
Latin
Name: Orectolobus wardi
Family:
Orectolobidae
Identification:
Covered in comparatively simple markings compared to other wobbegongs. Three
dark saddles on head and torso. Two or three dark bands posterior to pelvic
fins. Daubs of brown in remaining areas cover a pale background. Nasal barbells
unbranched. Two pairs of wide dermal lobes above upper jaw anterior to eyes. Two
pairs of dermal lobes posterior to spiacles.
Size:
63cm
maximum recorded but possibly to 1m. Birth size unknown.
Habitat: Shallow
reefs greater than 3m. Often in turbid water.
Abundance
and distribution: North
western to north eastern Australia. From at least as far as Exmouth in WA to
Queensland.
Behavior:
Nocturnal. Remains motionless during the day usually hidden under
deep ledges.
Reproduction:
Ovoviviparous.
Observations:
Photographs:
Navy Pier, Exmouth, Western Australia.
Similar species:
There are seven described species and a few undescribed species of wobbegongs.
Most can be distinguished by barbell configuration and markings. The ornate
wobbegong shares much of the Wards range but is easily distinguished by its more
complex patterning.
Reaction to divers:
Remains at rest relying on camouflage unless harassed.
Diving
logistics: This wobbegong is
sporadically seen at the Navy Pier in Exmouth. It is not always there and it is
generally very hard to find much less photograph. This is a very secretive
species. It may be more common in other areas but the advantage of Exmouth is
that the water is usually fairly clear compared to its other turbid
environments.
Other diving locations submitted by
readers:
References
and further
reading:
Reef
Sharks and Rays of the World. Scott W. Michael. Sea Challengers.
Sharks
and Rays - Elasmobranch Guide of the World. Ralf M. Hennemann. IKAN.
Sharks of the World - L. Compagno et al.
