There are all sorts of creatures lurking in the oceans, seas, and even rivers of planet Earth. From funky, purple sea slugs to backward-traveling isopods, the saltwater environment contains creatures that seem to be straight out of a fantasy film. One such creature is the tasselled wobbegong, and while it has a name to match its fantastical appearance you’d be hard-pressed to spot one in the deep. 

What is a tasselled wobbegong?

Tasselled wobbegongs (Eucrossorhinus dasypogon) are actually carpet sharks with long, flat bodies that blend into the coral reefs where they live. They have funky coral-like branches of flesh that grow out of the sides of their faces, helping to break up the outline of the shark and aiding its ability to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. 

Wobbegongs actually number around 12 species found in the family Orectolobidae, which includes the ornate wobbegong and the floral banded wobbegong. 

This level of camouflage helps the shark as an ambush predator, lying unseen as it waits for its prey. Sometimes the wobbegong will even use its tail as a lure to draw in unsuspecting fish. 

Wobbegongs have enormous mouths, and hunt at night, sucking prey such as squirrelfish and soldierfish into their waiting jaws. In fact, their jaws can even dislocate, helping them eat even bigger prey – as much as 80 percent their size in the case of this unfortunate bamboo shark. 

Where do tasselled wobbegongs live?

Tasselled wobbegongs are found across the north coast of Australia and around the waters of Papua New Guinea. Very occasionally they also occur in Indonesia. They are a relatively common species, and are often seen on the Great Barrier Reef. 

Tasselled wobbegongs are solitary and have a small home range. Because of its home in the protected area of the Great Barrier Reef, the tasselled wobbegong is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. The main threats to this species include occasional bycatch and the impact of climate change and habitat loss. 

How big is a tasselled wobbegong?

Tasselled wobbegongs give birth to live young which are thought to measure around 20 centimeters (7.8 inches) at birth. Full-grown adults can be 1.25 meters (4 feet) long. 

Their lifespan is not well documented, though some suggest it could be around 26 years. 

There are very few reports of these sharks attacking people, though some divers have been bitten, usually in self-defense.