Finally, we get a chance to recognise my most favourite of sharks – the wobbegong!

Not only has this beautiful beast got a pretty snazzy name, he also has a monstrous beard, which I certainly approve of. However, that fantastical facial arrangement isn’t just for show – it’s the start of what makes this shark such a successful predator.

Unlike their more active cousins, wobbegong sharks (of which there are 12 known species) are masters of stealth and ambush, preferring to lie in wait until prey swims within striking range. 

Although they might seem very visible to us when viewed in a book or public aquarium, the patterns on the shark provide it with excellent camouflage against the dappled backdrop of the Pacific reefs where this family of sharks are found.

Add in those weirdy beardy tassels and the outline of the shark is further broken up, increasing its powers of invisibility.

However, the tassels themselves serve an extra purpose – they're covered in sense organs that allow the shark to detect the minor movements of prey. 

During the day the wobbegong will remain motionless, often relaxing in a cave or under a rocky outcrop, taking any small fish which stumble too close. But at night it’s time to really hunt, as reef fish move into the rocks and caves to sleep, essentially bringing the meal right to the shark’s mouth.

They don’t always have it easy though.

Sometimes the wobbegong has to dance for its dinner, and the Tasselled Wobbegong has been recorded slowly waving its tail at potential prey. This is an attempt by the shark to convince other fish to come closer, as the tail of the wobbegong looks like a small reef fish.

You don’t want to fall for this trick though – any creature foolish enough to do so is quickly snaffled up in the blink of an eye. Never to be seen again!