western wobbegong

Scientific name Orectolobus hutchinsi
Descriptor Last, Chidlow & Compagno
Year of description 2006
IUCN category (World) LC
Family Orectolobidae
Genus Orectolobus
Orectolobus hutchinsi Orectolobus hutchinsi

Introduction

Orectolobus hutchinsi, commonly known as western wobbegong, is a salt water fish from the East Indian Ocean.

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Who is it?

Morphology

  • Type
  • Average size
    100 cm
  • Maximum size
    149 cm
  • Shape
    Rectangular
  • Pattern
    mottling
  • Type
  • Average size
    100 cm
  • Maximum size
    149 cm
  • Shape
    Rectangular
  • Pattern
    mottling

How to recognize the western wobbegong ?

The western wobbegong measures between 100 and 149 cm. This fish is bicolore with a predominantly marron and beige body. The also has marron mottling.

Sexual dimorphism

The male has a visible reproductive organ called gonopod which allows him to fertilize the female.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    carnivorous
  • Sociability
    solitary
  • territorial
    No
  • Way of living
    nocturnal

The western wobbegong is a fish solitary naturally found on the bottom. This species is carnivorous . This fish lives mainly at night. Usually, it leaves its hiding place and starts to be active once it gets dark.

Although the western wobbegong is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovovivipare

The western wobbegong is a fish ovovivipare.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    17 - 22 °C
  • Depth
    0 - 106 m

Biotope presentation

The western wobbegong is most often found at a depth between 0m and 106m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Adrien Falzon

Adrien Falzon

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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Where to see this species?

Scientific partners

Species of the same biotope

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