The Spotted Wobbegong, Gulf Wobbegong, Banded Carpet Shark, Banded Wobbegong, Carpetshark, Gulf Wobbegong, Wobbegong, scientifically known as Orectolobus halei, is a species of carpet shark belonging to the family Orectolobidae.
Description & Characteristics
This shark is characterized by its distinctive coloration, featuring a light brown or grey base with dark brown or black spots and blotches. These markings, resembling a spotted carpet, provide excellent camouflage against the seabed. The Spotted Wobbegong can attain a maximum size of 256.0 cm in length. Its flattened body and broad, flattened head are well-suited for life on the ocean floor. They possess a large, almost circular mouth positioned on the underside of their head and numerous rows of small, sharp teeth. Like other carpet sharks, the Spotted Wobbegong has a unique feature – barbels, or fleshy appendages, located near the nostrils. These barbels aid in detecting prey by sensing vibrations and chemical cues in the water.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Spotted Wobbegong, Gulf Wobbegong, Banded Carpet Shark, Banded Wobbegong, Carpetshark, Gulf Wobbegong, Wobbegong Orectolobus halei is found in the eastern Indian Ocean, inhabiting coastal waters of Western Australia. Its depth range varies from the surface to depths of 195.0 meters, making it a relatively adaptable species. It is typically found in marine zones classified as the neritic zone, which encompasses the shallow coastal waters and continental shelves.
Taxonomy
The species Orectolobus halei belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Orectolobiformes, and Family: Orectolobidae. This classification places it among the cartilaginous fish, a group that also includes rays and skates. The Order Orectolobiformes includes a diverse array of sharks, with the family Orectolobidae specifically encompassing carpet sharks, known for their flattened bodies and benthic lifestyle.
Feeding
The Spotted Wobbegong, Gulf Wobbegong, Banded Carpet Shark, Banded Wobbegong, Carpetshark, Gulf Wobbegong, Wobbegong Orectolobus halei is a predatory shark with a diverse diet. It primarily feeds on a variety of benthic organisms, such as crabs, lobsters, invertebrates, and small sharks. Its diet also includes cephalopods like Sepia, which are commonly found in its habitat. The Spotted Wobbegong’s feeding strategy often involves ambushing prey by lying in wait on the seabed, camouflaged among the rocks and sediment. Once a suitable target comes within range, it strikes with its powerful jaws and sharp teeth.
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