The order Orectolobiformes, sometimes referred to as carpet sharks (so named because many species resemble carpets with ornamental designs), is used interchangeably with "wobbegong," which is the common name for sharks of the family Orectolobidae. Orectolobiform sharks have five gill slits, two dorsal fins without spines, and a small mouth that does not extend beyond the eyes. Many species have barbels.
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Characteristics
Orectolobiformes are a diverse group of sharks with varying sizes, appearances, diets, and habits. They first appeared in the fossil record in the Early Jurassic. The oldest known orectolobiform genera are Folipistrix (known from the Toarcian to Aalenian of Belgium and Germany), Palaeobrachaelurus (from the Aalenian to Barremian), and Annea (from the Toarcian to Bajocian of Europe). All species have two dorsal fins and a relatively short transverse mouth that does not extend behind the eyes. Besides the nostrils, there are barbels, tactile sensory organs, and grooves known as nasoral grooves that connect the nostrils to the mouth. Five short gill slits are just in front of the origin of the pectoral fin, and the fifth slit tends to overlap the fourth. There is a spiracle below each eye used in breathing. The only exception to this rule is the whale shark, whose spiracles are located just behind the eyes.
Carpet sharks (Orectolobiformes) derive their common name from the fact that many species have a mottled appearance with intricate patterns reminiscent of carpet designs. The pattern provides camouflage when the fish lies on the sea bottom. The largest Orectolobiform shark is the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), which can grow up to 14 m (46 ft) in length. It is the largest fish species, but despite its size, it is not dangerous, as it feeds by filtering, sucking water through its wide mouth and sifting plankton. The smallest, reaching up to about 30 cm (12 in) in length, is the barbelthroat dogfish (Cirrhoscyllium expolitum).
Some of the most spectacularly colored members of the order are the collared carpet shark (Parascyllium variolatum), the zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum), and the ornate wobbegong (Orectolobus ornatus). Nurse sharks and whale sharks have a row of barbels on their snout, and the barbelthroat dogfish (Cirrhoscyllium expolitum) has barbels hanging from the throat region.
Families
The order Orectolobiformes is composed of seven families:
- Parascyllidae - collared carpet sharks.
- Hemiscylliidae - bamboo sharks.
- Brachaeluridae - blind sharks.
- Orectolobidae - wobbegongs.
- Ginglymostomatidae - nurse sharks.
- Stegostomatidae - zebra sharks.
- Rhincodontidae - whale sharks.
Orectolobiform Sharks You Should Know
See Also
It is possible to consult the other seven orders of sharks:
- Carcharhiniformes.
- Lamniformes.
- Hexanchiformes.
- Squaliformes.
- Pristiophoriformes.
- Squatiniformes.
- Heterodontiformes.