There are several types of Wobbegong Shark in Sydney. The Banded Wobbegong shark, Gulf Wobbegong, or Banded Carpetshark (Orectolobus halei) is seen at many sites in Sydney. It is a large shark which looks very similar in markings to the Orectolobus ornatus species.
As with all sharks, they are mostly harmless but I do sometimes imagine that they are growling at you - I certainly would say that out of all the sharks in Sydney, these ones are the ones I fear the most because they appear so docile, yet can move like lightning when they want and turn full circle to bite their own tail.
As with all sharks, they are mostly harmless but I do sometimes imagine that they are growling at you - I certainly would say that out of all the sharks in Sydney, these ones are the ones I fear the most because they appear so docile, yet can move like lightning when they want and turn full circle to bite their own tail.
Social Circles:
Whilst it is not fully documented, in Sydney there are times when divers see both the Spotted Wobbegong and the Ornate Wobbegong socialising together, or socialising with Port Jackson Sharks. In the picture below the two species of Wobbegong shark were relaxing under an overhang at about 15m of depth and were sat face to face perfectly relaxed, as if they were two old friends catching up. The shark on the left is the Spotted Wobbegong and the shark on the right is the Ornate Wobbegong.
Whilst it is not fully documented, in Sydney there are times when divers see both the Spotted Wobbegong and the Ornate Wobbegong socialising together, or socialising with Port Jackson Sharks. In the picture below the two species of Wobbegong shark were relaxing under an overhang at about 15m of depth and were sat face to face perfectly relaxed, as if they were two old friends catching up. The shark on the left is the Spotted Wobbegong and the shark on the right is the Ornate Wobbegong.
