The Spotted Wobbegong, Carpet Shark, Common Carpet Shark, Common Catshark, Tassel Shark, Wobbegong, scientifically known as Orectolobus maculatus, is a fascinating shark species characterized by its unique appearance and intriguing behaviors. This species exhibits a wide range of common names, reflecting its diverse geographical distribution and the intriguing characteristics that have captivated observers throughout history.
Description & Characteristics
The Orectolobus maculatus is renowned for its flattened body, resembling a carpet, which gives rise to its common name “Carpet Shark.” This species can attain a maximum size of 320.0 cm, making it a substantial inhabitant of its aquatic habitat. Its body is adorned with numerous dark brown spots and blotches, providing excellent camouflage against the rocky seafloor. The Orectolobus maculatus possesses a wide, flattened head with a broad, rounded snout. The eyes are small and located on the top of the head, while the nostrils are prominent and situated on the underside of the snout. This shark’s mouth is large and equipped with rows of small, sharp teeth. Notably, the Orectolobus maculatus has fleshy barbels around its mouth, resembling tassels, that serve as sensory organs, aiding in the detection of prey in murky waters.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Orectolobus maculatus exhibits a wide distribution, inhabiting coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This species prefers shallow, rocky reefs and sandy bottoms, often found in depths ranging from 0.0 to 248.0 meters. Their adaptability to diverse habitats, including intertidal zones and deeper reefs, allows them to thrive in a variety of marine ecosystems. The Orectolobus maculatus is commonly encountered in tropical and subtropical waters, including those associated with the Indo-Pacific warm-temperate shelf and continental slope.
Taxonomy
The Orectolobus maculatus belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Orectolobiformes, and Family: Orectolobidae. This classification reflects its evolutionary lineage and close relationships with other shark species within the Orectolobiformes order. The Orectolobidae family, commonly known as wobbegongs, comprises a diverse group of bottom-dwelling sharks with distinctive features and adaptations.
Feeding
The Orectolobus maculatus is a carnivorous predator, primarily feeding on a variety of invertebrates and smaller fish. Its diet encompasses a wide range of prey items, including clam meat, crustaceans, fish (little fishes), living food, lobster, rock lobster, schrimps, sepia, and shrimps. The Orectolobus maculatus employs a unique hunting strategy, lying in wait on the seafloor, using its camouflage and sensory barbels to detect unsuspecting prey. When prey comes within range, the Orectolobus maculatus lunges with its powerful jaws, capturing its meal with a swift and decisive bite. This feeding behavior highlights the Orectolobus maculatus‘s role as an important predator within its ecosystem.
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