Carpet shark rolled out to greet visitors

The male tasselled wobbegong has arrived in time for the launch of its Summer of Sharks programme tomorrow, which coincides with the school holidays and runs until September 4.

Curator Katy Duke said: “The tasselled wobbegong is a great addition to our collection of sharks.

“It is a member of a group called the carpet sharks.

“Its mouth is edged with a magnificent fringe of tassels, which helps to break up the outline of its body and with its brown carpet-patterned markings makes the tasselled wobbegong a master of camouflage and ambush.

“Our wobbegong comes from the Australian Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland.

“He was wild-caught under extremely strict guidelines of the Marine Aquarium Council, which ensures that animals are collected and transported sustainably and to the highest standards of animal welfare.

“As is the case with all our new animals, he first entered in our quarantine facility to settle down after his journey and to make sure he fed properly before being introduced into our main tank.”

The curator added: “He is now thriving in his new home.”