Cobbler wobbegong

Cobbler wobbegongs are a small species of carpet shark (given the name because of the carpet-like patterns on the skin), Orectolobiformes, that are capable of growing to a size of in total length. The size at birth of these sharks is approximately total length, with males maturing at a length of about total. Sutorectus and/or Eucrossorhinus are clustered together with Orectolobus in all of the six equally parsimonious trees. Orectolobus is also paraphyletic with respect to Eucrossorhinus and Sutorectus according to molecular data, meaning that they share a common ancestor. The type of genus of the family, Orectolobus, could only be considered monophyletic with the inclusion of S. tentaculatus and E. dasypogon. The variegated color pattern of the skin is composed primarily of a dark brown base interspaced with light areas with irregular dark spots. Sutorectus tentaculatus is also readily identified by the presence of short dorsal fins relative to the height of the body of the shark, with the first dorsal-fin originating from the front of the pelvic-fin midbase. Other identifiable features include, but are not limited to, their unbranched nasal barbels, symphysial groove on the chin, and dorsal saddles with jagged corrugated edges. == Diet and mouth structure ==

The mouth morphology contribute to how the species eats and the food that they consume. Cobbler wobbegongs have two rows of enlarged fang-like teeth in the upper jaw and three rows in the lower jaw. The sharp, jagged edges of the teeth allow these sharks to pierce through the thick scales of fishes and hard exteriors of invertebrates. == Habitat ==

The Cobbler wobbegong is typically found in rocky reefs and weedy areas at a depth of about . Similar to other wobbegongs, the Cobbler wobbegong does not venture far from its typical parameters. == Threats to population ==

The cobbler wobbegong is a minor bycatch of Western Australian commercial fisheries. The cobbler wobbegong resides within the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery, however the species is rarely caught by this fishery. Individuals have been caught in trawl nets, however most bycatch is not retained. The bycatch is placed back into the ocean and has a relatively high survival rate after release. Despite being a victim of bycatch, the species does not show any signs of decline. As of February 18, 2015, cobbler wobbegongs have been listed as the status of 'Least concern' by the IUCN Red List. Australian fur seals are opportunistic hunters and primarily feed on fish and squid. It is possible for Australian fur seals to seek cobbler wobbegongs as prey, but there have been very few sightings of this. There are not many other predators recorded for this species. == Reproduction ==

The cobbler wobbegong is ovoviviparous, meaning that the species produces eggs which develop and hatch within the maternal body. The young sharks are then birthed, giving the appearance of live birth. A pup is typically about in length at birth and will reach sexual maturity at around . One pregnant female was studied, which contained 12 developing embryos with a sex ratio strongly biased towards males. The reproduction of the cobbler wobbegong has not been extensively studied; thus, conclusions can only be drawn from similarly related species. Reproduction of three closely related sympatric species of wobbegong, which include the Orectolobus ornatus, Orectolobus maculatus and Orectolobus halei, have been used to compare the reproductive cycle of Wobbegongs for the use of commercial fisheries. These species had synchronous, triennial reproductive cycles, meaning that they complete their reproductive cycle every three-years. Follicles develop and grow for two years before ovulation. Within the first year, follicles remain small but grow exponentially in the second year before ovulation in November. Gestation occurs between 10-11 months and parturition occurs during September-October. Litter sizes for these species ranged from nine to 21 individuals, with increasing numbers as the female increased in total length. ==See also==