Identification of a shark ??

I was doing a night dive in Shelley Bay in Sydney, Australia a week or so ago. Had my trusty 300DSLR in Ikelite housing and off I went. One thing about Shelley Beach is its protected and has some wide ranging species especially for a simple shore dive. The local Wobbegong sharks have grown in number as part of a release program which is great, and I was happily snapping away at these despite some sediment in the water (makes you get closer).

Well after 30 mins or so I come across this shark ? Now looks from the face like a Wobbegong, but it seems to be one thats in need of serious weight watchers advice. It was around 2-3m long and roughly the same in width. A fairly sizeable creature but havent found anyone locally who can tell me what it is.

Appreciate anyones thoughts......

i would have said it was an angelshark myself, but i do not think that they grow to the sizes you mention. i dont even know if they are found around australia. from memory they are usually found around south america ( pacific coast ).

i am sure someone else will be along soon to correct me.

stew

That's the ozzie angelshark... Squatina Australis.