Origin
Wobbegongs are native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly coastal waters of Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. They inhabit coral reefs, rocky substrates, and seagrass beds, using their camouflage to ambush prey in crevices or on sandy bottoms.

Visual & Functional Appeal
These sharks are visually unique—flattened and patterned with intricate mottling in tan, olive, or gray tones. Fringed lobes around their mouth enhance their disguise and serve as lures. Their slow, deliberate movement and stealthy presence make them a fascinating, cryptic species in marine displays.

Purpose
Wobbegongs serve as bottom-dwelling predators in saltwater predator tanks. Their sedentary behavior contrasts sharply with open-water swimmers, bringing balance to displays. They are most active at night and during feeding, offering a dramatic showcase of ambush predation.

Importance
They highlight evolutionary adaptations in camouflage, suction feeding, and benthic predation. Their presence in an aquarium encourages aquarists to understand species-specific tank zoning and the complexities of keeping cryptic marine predators.

Included Resources
Minimum 300–500 gallon tank depending on species (larger for Orectolobus maculatus). Requires deep sand bed or smooth substrate, live rock overhangs or caves, and low to moderate flow. High-efficiency filtration, skimming, and oxygenation are essential. Target feeding tools required.

Best Use Cases
Predator-focused marine tanks, public aquarium reef caves, or nocturnal exhibits. Best housed alone or with large, non-aggressive tankmates. Works well in dimly lit zones or tunnels where visibility and ambient activity are low.

Conservation Context
Some species are vulnerable to overfishing and habitat degradation, particularly in regions with heavy trawling or coral loss. Export quotas vary by country. Aquarium trade contributes modest pressure but highlights the need for captive breeding or responsible sourcing.

Compatible Species
Can coexist with large, peaceful fish like groupers, lionfish, angelfish, and moray eels. Avoid small fish, invertebrates, and active or aggressive species that may trigger predation or stress. Should not be housed with conspecifics or similar bottom predators unless in very large systems.

Region (A)
• Latitude: -20.5° S
• Longitude: 118.6° E
→ Western Australia (natural reef and benthic habitat)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -8.2° S
• Longitude: 130.0° E
→ Timor Sea, Indonesia (tropical coastal range)