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19/08/2005: "CARPET SHARK (Wobbegong)"
Probably not a good idea to get too close to the front end of a resting Carpet Shark. They have a fast snapping ability and have been known to bite spear fisherman's heads.
After holding for a few seconds they cough in order to make a bigger bite - this is the time to get free. Too much struggling beforehand results in a worse injury.
Teeth are pointed, and finger-like, similar to the grey nurse and remotely similar with a mako (blue pointer). Injuries would therefore be punctures. Any ripping would be caused by the person's own struggles.
Wobbegong sharks have become less common - especially large one's as pictured in this Coffs Harbour NSW cave with UW model Christine Danaher.
Desperate-for-income professional lobster fishermen have been targeting them. Wobbegong could be given a form of protection soon.
It's ironic that lobster frequent the caves to live near these sharks. Octopus seek lobster, wobbegong eat octopus - the mortal enemy of the lobster.
Remove any one of the three and the remainders suffer. East coast lobster were first to go into serious decline.
The wobbegong flesh is the highest grade of shark (flake) and lacks the euric-acid aroma of other sharks 'meat'. I would not eat it, but many do who are not fussy and want a 'fish' without bones.
The white fillets are of similar cost to most 'B' grade whole fish prices, about $15-18 per kilo at today's prices.
