View source for Biology:Tasselled wobbegong

{{Short description|Species of shark}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Tasselled wobbegong (Eucrossorhinus dasypogon) - 49929002423.jpg
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Huveneers, C. |author2=Pillans, R.D. |date=2015 |title=''Eucrossorhinus dasypogon'' |volume=2015 |page=e.T41873A68623121 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T41873A68623121.en |access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref>
| genus = Eucrossorhinus
| parent_authority = Regan, 1908
| species = dasypogon
| authority = ([[Biography:Pieter Bleeker|Bleeker]], 1867)
| range_map = Eucrossorhinus dasypogon distmap.png
| range_map_caption = Confirmed (dark blue) and suspected (light blue) range of the tasselled wobbegong<ref name="compagno"/>
| synonyms = ''Crossorhinus dasypogon'' <small>Bleeker, 1867</small><br>
''Orectolobus dasypogon'' <small>Bleeker, 1867</small><br>
''Orectolobus ogilbyi'' <small>Regan, 1909</small>
}}

The '''tasselled wobbegong''' (''Eucrossorhinus dasypogon'') is a [[Biology:Species|species]] of [[Biology:Carpet shark|carpet shark]] in the family [[Biology:Orectolobidae|Orectolobidae]] and the only member of its [[Biology:Genus|genus]]. It inhabits shallow [[Earth:Coral reef|coral reef]]s off northern {{wipe|Australia}}, New Guinea, and adjacent [[Earth:Island|island]]s. Reaching {{convert|1.8|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length, this species has a broad and flattened body and head. Its most distinctive trait is a fringe of branching dermal flaps around its head, which extends onto its chin. The fringe, along with its complex color pattern of small blotches and reticulations, enable it to [[Biology:Camouflage|camouflage]] itself against the reef environment.

During the day, the solitary tasselled wobbegong can generally be found lying inside caves or under ledges with its tail curled. Individual sharks tend to remain within a local area and have favored resting spots. While resting, it opportunistically ambushes nearby [[Biology:Fish|fish]]es and [[Biology:Invertebrate|invertebrate]]s, and also lures in prey by waving its tail to mimic the appearance of a small fish. At night, it emerges and actively forages for food. This species is aplacental viviparous, though little is known of its [[Biology:Life history theory|life history]]. The tasselled wobbegong has been reported to bite and kill humans unprovoked; attacks may result from people accidentally disturbing the shark or being misperceived as prey. The [[Organization:International Union for Conservation of Nature|International Union for Conservation of Nature]] (IUCN) listed this species as Near Threatened in 2003, as outside of Australia it is threatened by fisheries and habitat degradation. As of 2015, its IUCN status is Least Concern.<ref>{{Cite web|title=IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Tasselled Wobbegong|url=https://www.iucnredlist.org/en|last1=Charlie Huveneers (Flinders University|first1=South Australia|last2=Richard Pillans (CSIRO|first2=Queensland|date=2015-02-18|website=IUCN Red List of Threatened Species|access-date=2020-05-18}}</ref>

==Taxonomy and phylogeny==
Dutch ichthyologist [[Biography:Pieter Bleeker|Pieter Bleeker]] originally described the tasselled wobbegong in an 1867 volume of ''Archives Néerlandaises des Sciences Exactes et Naturelles''. His account was based on two Indonesian specimens, one caught off Waigeo and the other off Aru. He gave it the name ''dasypogon'', from the [[Social:Ancient Greek|Greek]] ''dasys'' ("hairy") and ''pogon'' ("beard"), and assigned it to the [[Biology:Genus|genus]] ''Crossorhinus'' (a [[Biology:Synonym (taxonomy)|synonym]] of ''[[Biology:Orectolobus|Orectolobus]]'').<ref name="bleeker"/> In 1908, Charles Tate Regan created the new genus ''Eucrossorhinus'' for this species, derived from the Greek ''eu'' ("well"), ''krossoi'' ("tassel") and ''rhinos'' ("nose").<ref name="regan1908"/><ref name="fishbase"/> Regan subsequently reconsidered the main trait he used to separate ''Eucrossorhinus'' (the spacing of the fourth and fifth [[Biology:Gill slit|gill slit]]s) and synonymized it with ''Orectolobus''.<ref name="regan1909"/> Later authors have placed the tasselled wobbegong either in its own genus or in ''Orectolobus''.<ref name="compagno"/> Other [[Biology:Common name|common name]]s for this species are bearded wobbegong and Ogilby's wobbegong.<ref name="last and stevens"/>

{{cladogram|title=|align=left|caption=Phylogenetic tree of the wobbegongs.<ref name="corrigan and beheregaray"/>
|clades={{clade|style=font-size:80%;line-height:80%
|1={{clade
 |1=''Orectolobus wardi''
 |2={{clade
  |1='''''Eucrossorhinus dasypogon'''''
  |2={{clade
   |1=''Orectolobus ornatus''
   |2={{clade
    |1={{clade
 |1=''Sutorectus tentaculatus''
 |2=''Orectolobus floridus''
 }}
	|2={{clade
 |1={{clade
 |1=''[[Biology:Orectolobus hutchinsi|Orectolobus hutchinsi]]''
 |2=''Orectolobus parvimaculatus''
 }}
 |2={{clade
 |1=''Orectolobus halei''
 |2={{clade
 |1=''Orectolobus maculatus''
 |2={{clade
 |1=''Orectolobus japonicus''
		|2=''Orectolobus leptolineatus''
		}}
 }}
 }}
 }}
	}}
   }}
 }}
}}
}}
}}

[[Biology:Morphology|Morphological]] studies have been inconclusive about the evolutionary relationships of the tasselled wobbegong, but overall have gauged it to be among the more derived [[Biology:Wobbegong|wobbegong]] (Orectolobidae) species.<ref name="dingerkus"/><ref name="goto"/> A 2009 phylogenetic analysis based on [[Biology:Mitochondrial DNA|mitochondrial]] and [[Biology:Nuclear DNA|nuclear DNA]] found otherwise, that this species was in fact [[Biology:Basal (phylogenetics)|basal]] to all other wobbegongs except the [[Biology:Northern wobbegong|northern wobbegong]] (''O. wardi''). This result supports the synonymization of ''Eucrossorhinus'' with ''Orectolobus''. [[Biology:Molecular clock|Molecular clock]] estimation placed the [[Biology:Speciation|speciation]] of the tasselled wobbegong at 11–6 Ma, coinciding with a period of significant geological rearrangement and the formation of [[Earth:Coral reef|coral reef]] habitats in the region.<ref name="corrigan and beheregaray"/>

==Description==
[[Image:Tasseled wobbegong shark.jpg|thumb|The tasselled wobbegong can be readily identified by the fringe of dermal lobes on its head.]]
The tasselled wobbegong is a very broad, moderately flattened shark. The head is wider than long, with a distinctive fringe of branching dermal lobes running almost continuously from the snout tip to the origins of the pectoral fins, including a "beard" on the chin. The nostrils bear long, branching [[Biology:Barbel (anatomy)|barbels]], and have grooves surrounding them and connecting them to the mouth. There are [[Biology:Tubercle|tubercle]]s above the eyes but not elsewhere, and behind the eyes are larger spiracles. The large mouth is positioned ahead of the eyes, almost at the end of the head. There are furrows on the lower jaw extending from the mouth corners and along the jaw median. There are 23–26 upper and 19 lower tooth rows; each tooth has a single slender, pointed cusp. The three upper and two lower rows of symphysial (central) teeth are especially long and fang-like. The five pairs of gill slits are short.<ref name="compagno"/><ref name="last and stevens"/>

The pectoral and [[Biology:Pelvic fin|pelvic fin]]s are large and rounded. The dorsal fins are short-based and fairly tall; the first is slightly larger than the second and originates over the latter quarter of the pelvic fin bases. Behind the pelvic fins, the body rapidly tapers to the short caudal peduncle. The anal fin originates behind the midpoint of the second dorsal fin and is no more than half its size. The caudal fin is short, with no lower lobe and an upper lobe bearing a strong ventral notch near the tip. This species has a [[Engineering:Mosaic|mosaic]]-like dorsal color pattern consisting of numerous small, dark blotches and lines on a gray- or yellow-brown background; there may also be darker bands. The pattern extends to the underside of the tail and the ventral pectoral and pelvic fin margins. The ventral surface is otherwise white.<ref name="compagno"/><ref name="last and stevens"/> The tasselled wobbegong is reliably known to reach a length of {{convert|1.8|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref name="fishbase"/> Most authors consider an older record of a {{convert|3.7|m|ft|abbr=on}} long individual to be erroneous.<ref name="compagno"/>

==Distribution and habitat==
The range of the tasselled wobbegong encompasses the [[Earth:Continental shelf|continental shelf]] of northern Australia from Ningaloo Reef in the west to Bundaberg in the east, as well as New Guinea, Waigeo, and the Aru Islands. Additional records from Malaysia are unconfirmed.<ref name="compagno"/><ref name="last and stevens"/> This common bottom-dweller inhabits coral reefs, perhaps exclusively, in both inshore and offshore waters from the [[Earth:Intertidal zone|intertidal zone]] to around {{convert|50|m|ft|abbr=on}} deep. It is most often encountered in reef channels and faces, or atop [[Biology:Coral|coral]] heads.<ref name="last and stevens"/><ref name="michael1993"/>

==Biology and ecology==
[[Image:Eucrossorhinus dasypogon.jpg|thumb|The tasselled wobbegong is mostly inactive in daytime, resting in a sheltered location on the reef.]]
Considered the most specialized member of its family, the tasselled wobbegong's ornate coloration and complex dermal fringe grants it excellent [[Biology:Camouflage|camouflage]], while it is probably a slower swimmer than related species. It is solitary and spends most of the day lying motionless inside caves or under ledges with its tail curled up. Individual sharks have a small [[Earth:Home range|home range]], containing several preferred resting spots that are used repeatedly. This species becomes more active at night, swimming onto the reef to hunt.<ref name="compagno"/><ref name="michael2001"/>

The tasselled wobbegong feeds on bony and cartilaginous fishes, [[Biology:Crustacean|crustacean]]s, and [[Biology:Cephalopod|cephalopod]]s.<ref name="michael2001"/> Its capacious mouth allows sizeable prey to be swallowed, with one documented case of a {{convert|1.3|m|ft|abbr=on}} long individual consuming a {{convert|1.0|m|ft|abbr=on}} long [[Biology:Brownbanded bamboo shark|brownbanded bamboo shark]] (''Chiloscyllium punctatum'').<ref name="ceccarelli and williamson"/> During daytime, this species is an opportunistic [[Biology:Ambush predator|ambush predator]]. It preys upon [[Biology:Shoaling and schooling|schooling]] nocturnal fishes such as squirrelfishes, soldierfishes, and [[Biology:Sweeper|sweeper]]s that often shelter in the same cave. Tiny fishes and crustaceans have been seen settling atop the resting wobbegong's head, attracting larger fishes that are in turn attacked by the wobbegong. Observations in captivity have further revealed that this species seems to engage in active luring behavior. When it perceives food nearby, it begins to slowly wave its tail back and forth; its caudal fin resembles a small fish, complete with a dark [[Biology:Eyespot (mimicry)|eyespot]] at the base. The shark typically rests with its head elevated, which places it within striking distance of any prey drawn by its tail.<ref name="michael2001"/>

The tapeworm ''Parachristianella monomegacantha'' is a known [[Biology:Parasite|parasite]] of the tasselled wobbegong.<ref name="campbell and beveridge"/> This species has been observed being attended by [[Biology:Cleaner shrimp|cleaner shrimp]] (''Leander urocaridella'', ''[[Biology:Stenopus hispidus|Stenopus hispidus]]'') and [[Biology:Bluestreak cleaner wrasse|bluestreak cleaner wrasse]] (''Labroides dimidiatus'').<ref name="michael2001"/> Reproduction is presumably aplacental viviparous like other wobbegongs, with the developing [[Biology:Embryo|embryo]]s sustained by yolk.<ref name="compagno"/> There is a report of [[Biology:Mating|mating]] being observed inside a cave at night.<ref name="michael2001"/> Newborns measure approximately {{convert|20|cm|in|abbr=on}} long. Size at [[Biology:Sexual maturity|sexual maturity]] is uncertain; one recorded male was found to be adult at {{convert|1.2|m|ft|abbr=on}} long.<ref name="compagno"/>

==Human interactions==
With several records of apparently unprovoked attacks on people, the tasselled wobbegong has a reputation beyond other wobbegongs for aggressive behavior.<ref name="michael1993"/> Gilbert Whitley even wrote in 1940 that it "attacks and generally kills the natives" of Papua New Guinea.<ref name="whitley"/> Though Whitley's claim is questionable, this species is certainly capable of inflicting severe wounds. Conversely, the tasselled wobbegong is also an [[Social:Ecotourism|ecotourism]] attraction and many divers have approached it without incident. Given this shark's cryptic appearance and poor vision, humans should exercise caution to avoid accidentally harassing it or causing it to mistake a hand or foot for prey. This species adapts well to captivity and is occasionally found in the [[Biology:Fishkeeping|home aquarium]] trade.<ref name="compagno"/><ref name="michael2001"/>

The tasselled wobbegong has little economic value, though its attractive skin is occasionally used for leather.<ref name="compagno"/> In Australian waters, it is not fished and faces minimal threats. However, elsewhere in its range it may be negatively affected by extensive fishery activity and habitat degradation from [[Earth:Water pollution|pollution]], [[Biology:Blast fishing|blast fishing]], and coral removal. The [[Organization:International Union for Conservation of Nature|International Union for Conservation of Nature]] (IUCN) has assessed this species as Least Concern.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" />

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em|refs=

<ref name="bleeker">{{cite journal |author=Bleeker, P. |year=1867 |title=Description et figure d'une espèce inédite de Crossorhinus de l'archipel des Moluques |journal=Archives Néerlandaises des Sciences Exactes et Naturelles |volume=2 |pages=400–402}}</ref>

<ref name="campbell and beveridge">{{cite journal |title=''Oncomegas aetobatidis'' Sp. Nov. (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha), A Re-Description of ''O. australiensis'' Toth, Campbell & Schmidt, 1992 and New Records of Trypanorhynch Cestodes from Australian Elasmobranch Fishes |author1=Campbell, R.A. |author2=Beveridge, I. |journal=Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia |volume=133 |issue=1 |year=2009 |pages=18–29|doi=10.1080/03721426.2009.10887107 |s2cid=85869638 }}</ref>

<ref name="ceccarelli and williamson">{{cite journal |journal=Coral Reefs |doi=10.1007/s00338-012-0878-z |title=Sharks that eat sharks: opportunistic predation by wobbegongs |author1=Ceccarelli, D.M. |author2=Williamson, D.H. |year=2012 |volume=31 |issue=2 |pages=471|bibcode=2012CorRe..31..471C |doi-access=free }}</ref>

<ref name="compagno">{{cite book |author=Compagno, L.J.V. |year=2002 |title='Sharks of the World: An Annotated and Illustrated Catalogue of Shark Species Known to Date (Volume 2) |publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |pages=150–152 |isbn=9251045437}}</ref>

<ref name="corrigan and beheregaray">{{cite journal |author1=Corrigan, S. |author2=Beheregaray, L.B. |year=2009 |title=A recent shark radiation: molecular phylogeny, biogeography and speciation of wobbegong sharks (family: Orectolobidae) |journal=Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution |volume=52 |issue=1 |pages=205–216 |doi=10.1016/j.ympev.2009.03.007 |pmid=19303452}}</ref>

<ref name="dingerkus">{{cite book |author=Dingerkus, G. |year=1986 |chapter=Interrelationships of orectolobiform sharks (Chondrichthyes: Selachii) |title=Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Indo-Pacific Fishes, Tokyo |pages=227–245}}</ref>

<ref name="fishbase">Froese, R.; Pauly, D. (eds). (2006). [http://www.fishbase.us/summary/Eucrossorhinus-dasypogon.html "''Eucrossorhinus dasypogon''"]. FishBase. Retrieved on April 18, 2013.</ref>

<ref name="goto">{{cite journal |author=Goto, T. |year=2001 |title=Comparative anatomy, phylogeny, and cladistic classification of the order Orectolobiformes (Chondrichthyes: Elasmobranchii) |journal=Memoirs of the Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences Hokkaido University |volume=48 |pages=1–100 |issn=1346-3306}}</ref>



<ref name="last and stevens">{{cite book |title=Sharks and Rays of Australia |author1=Last, P.R. |author2=Stevens, J.D. |edition=second |publisher=Harvard University Press |year=2009 |isbn=978-0674034112 |pages=135–136}}</ref>

<ref name="michael1993">{{cite book |author=Michael, S.W. |title=Reef Sharks & Rays of the World |publisher=Sea Challengers |date=1993 |isbn=0930118189 |page=41}}</ref>

<ref name="michael2001">{{cite book |author=Michael, S.W. |title=Aquarium Sharks & Rays |publisher=T.F.H. Publications |year=2001 |isbn=1890087572 |pages=89–92}}</ref>

<ref name="regan1908">{{cite journal |author=Regan, C.T. |year=1908 |title=A revision of the sharks of the Family Orectolobidae |journal=Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London |volume=1908 |pages=347–364}}</ref>

<ref name="regan1909">{{cite journal |author=Regan, C.T. |year=1909 |title=A new specific name for an orectolobid shark |journal=Annals and Magazine of Natural History |volume=3 |issue=18 |page=529 |doi=10.1080/00222930908692619|url=https://zenodo.org/record/1430059 }}</ref>

<ref name="whitley">{{cite book |author=Whitley, G.P. |title=The Fishes of Australia, Part 1, Sharks, etc |publisher=Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales |year=1940 |page=83}}</ref>

}}

==External links==
* [http://www.fishbase.us/summary/Eucrossorhinus-dasypogon.html "''Eucrossorhinus dasypogon'', Tasselled wobbegong" at FishBase]
* [https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/eucrossorhinus-dasypogon/ "Biological Profiles: Tasselled Wobbegong" at Florida Museum of Natural History]
* {{sealifephotos|298163}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q29090}}

[[Category:Orectolobidae]]

{{Sourceattribution|Tasselled wobbegong}}