Indonesian Wobbegong

Orectolobus leptolineatus

The Indonesian Wobbegong is a medium-sized carpet shark that can grow up to 120 cm in length. It has a distinctive appearance with a complex and variable coloration pattern. The dorsal and lateral surfaces feature alternating dark brownish bars and saddles, while the dorsal and upper surfaces of the paired fins display prominent vermicular patterns. Its ventral surface is mainly pale. The species has nasal barbels with branches and complex preorbital dermal lobes, contributing to its unique look. These sharks have 23 rows of teeth in the upper jaw, with a rudimentary row at the symphysis. This species inhabits the Western Pacific, particularly around Indonesia and off Sarawak, with possible records from the Penghu Islands, Visayas, and Cebu City. It is found in benthopelagic environments at depths ranging from 20 to 110 meters. The Indonesian Wobbegong prefers deeper, colder waters, although it has been observed in shallower areas with cold-water upwellings. The Indonesian Wobbegong is harmless to humans and is categorized as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Divers encountering this species can expect to find it resting on the ocean floor, blending in with its surroundings thanks to its camouflaging patterns. The species' reproductive behavior includes males maturing at around 90 cm and females at 94 cm, with recorded pregnancies showing mid-term embryos about 13 to 14 cm long.