Tasselled Wobbegong Shark: A Goofy-looking Lurker

Known scientifically as Eucrossorhinus dasypogon, the tasselled wobbegong is instantly recognizable thanks to its flattened body, wide head, and fringe of highly branched dermal lobes — those fancy tassels — surrounding its face.

These skin flaps help break up the shark's outline, giving it a shaggy appearance that makes it nearly invisible to both prey and predators.

This shark species sticks close to the ocean floor in reef channels, offshore reefs and the continental shelf, especially near the Great Barrier Reef and Barrow Island. It's typically found in waters off New Guinea, northern and western Australia, and parts of eastern Indonesia.

The tasselled wobbegong thrives in warm, shallow coral reefs, where it hides among rocks and sponges. Its camouflage is so effective that divers often swim past it without noticing.

Unlike sharks built for speed, the tasselled wobbegong relies on stealth and patience. Its body is covered with narrow dark lines and blotchy patterns that match the reef.

With a strong terminal lobe on its caudal fin and a subterminal notch on the upper lobe, it can curl its tail beneath itself while lying in wait.

The shark's pectoral and pelvic fins are broad and rounded, perfect for resting motionless on the seabed. The dorsal fin sits far back on its body, just past the pelvic fin bases. Together, these features support a lifestyle of lurking in plain sight.

This ambush predator feeds primarily on small fish and invertebrates, including bottom fishes and larger fishes that get too close. When an unsuspecting fish swims within striking distance, the wobbegong opens its wide mouth and sucks the prey in with surprising speed.

Its mouth is lined with needle-like, fang-like teeth arranged in two rows, perfect for gripping slippery prey. Some reports even suggest the tasselled wobbegong can bite in self-defense if provoked, although it poses little threat to humans unless stepped on.

Rhe tasselled wobbegong is currently listed as "least concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, habitat loss and reef degradation remain long-term concerns. Continued monitoring is vital, especially in light of increasing pressures on coral ecosystems.

The tasselled wobbegong also features in marine field guides and the Food and Agriculture Organization's annotated and illustrated catalogue of shark species. It may not be a household name like the great white, but it plays a crucial role in reef ecosystems and marine biodiversity.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.