Orectolobus japonicus

(Regan, 1906)

Vernacular names
English : Japanese wobbegong
French : Requin-tapis du Japon

Classification
Class : Elasmobranchii
Order : Orectolobiformes
Family : Orectolobidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species grows to about 118 cm in length, females being bigger than males. Very few barbels on broad face. Beige to brown coloration with conspicuous dark saddles on back, edged with clear spots and reticulated dark lines.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, from Japan and Taiwan to Vietnamese coasts. Lives in rocky and coral reefs on continental shelf, to 200 m deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is still quite common in its range and seems not to suffer from any major threats. Intense fishing pressure can cause local declines.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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