Ambush Predator
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Image Source: Meridian Adventure
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Tasselled Wobbegong
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An ambush predator lies in wait for prey to stray within striking range. The Tasseled Wobbegong, a buccal ventilated shark, is one such predator.
Lying motionless on the floor, the Tasselled Wobbegong lure fish in with its caudal fin. Once prey comes within range, the head swings forward and a vacuum is formed, sucking the prey into the mouth. |
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The tail is not a usual design. You might be tempted to call it Protocercal, or even Diphycercal. But this is not the case. Because it is angled upward, it is categorized as a pointed Heterocercal caudal fin with an absent lower lobe.
Because of its ambush predator lifestyle, there is no need for speed or efficient swimming function, as most of the Tasselled Wobbegong's life is spent resting on the floor. Instead of using traits that would contribute to swimming efficiently, it is more beneficial to have a caudal fin that resembles a prey species.
[FishBase]
Because of its ambush predator lifestyle, there is no need for speed or efficient swimming function, as most of the Tasselled Wobbegong's life is spent resting on the floor. Instead of using traits that would contribute to swimming efficiently, it is more beneficial to have a caudal fin that resembles a prey species.
[FishBase]