western wobbegong
| Scientific name | Orectolobus hutchinsi |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Last, Chidlow & Compagno |
| Year of description | 2006 |
| IUCN category | LC |
| Family | Orectolobidae |
| Genus | Orectolobus |
Introduction
Orectolobus hutchinsi, commonly known as western wobbegong, is a salt water fish from the East Indian Ocean.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size100 cm
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Maximum size149 cm
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ShapeRectangular
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Patternmottling
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Average size100 cm
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Maximum size149 cm
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ShapeRectangular
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Patternmottling
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
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilitysolitary
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territorialNo
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Way of livingnocturnal
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
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Reproductionovovivipare
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?
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature17 - 22 °C
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Depth0 - 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.
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
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.
Where to see this species?
Species of the same biotope
Scientific partners