Banded Wobbegong (Orectolobus ornatus)

The Banded Wobbegong is a distinctively coloured bottom-dwelling species that occurs on inshore reefs and near offshore islands along the eastern coastline of the GSR. The Banded Wobbegong can be recognised by its body shape and colouration. It has a broad, flattened head with skin flaps around the snout margin. The eyes are small and oval. The species has two dorsal fins which are positioned posteriorly on the body. The caudal fin has a long upper lobe. The anal fin is positioned so far posteriorly, it almost looks like a lower caudal fin lobe. The species is usually golden-brown with broad dark areas, and blueish-grey spots above. It is yellowish green below. The margins of the fins often have dark spots.