Wobbegong Shark

The wobbegongs, in the family Orectolobidae, are bottom-dwelling sharks that live on the coral reefs of New Guinea and the northern coasts of Australia. There are six species and each resembles a shaggy carpet lying motionless on the sea floor, camouflaged amongst coral and seaweed by an intricate pattern of spots, stripes and blotches on its back. The effect is enhanced further by a fringe of tree-like tassels, resembling fronds of seaweed, around its terminal mouth and jaws. Almost invisible, it waits for an octopus, crab, or bottom-dwelling fish to chance by. Its prey is sucked into the vacuum caused by the sudden opening of its mouth. Sharp, needle-like teeth prevent the victim from escaping. Wobbegongs are not considered harmful to people, though if trodden upon accidentally they can give a nasty bite.