Orectolobus maculatus, commonly known as the spotted carpet shark or eastern wobbegong, is a fascinating species of shark that inhabits the reefs and seabeds of the coastal waters of the western Pacific, particularly around Australia. This shark is known for its unique appearance and cryptic behavior, which make it a master of camouflage in its environment.
The Orectolobus maculatus has a flattened and wide body, which gives it an unusual appearance compared to other sharks. Its average size is around 1.5-1.9 meters in length, although some individuals can reach up to 3 meters. What really sets this shark apart is its coloration pattern and texture on its skin, which is covered in irregular brown, yellow and gray spots that resemble algae or corals on the seabed. This coloration helps it blend perfectly with its surroundings, becoming practically invisible to its prey and potential predators.
In addition to its coloration, the spotted carpet shark has dermal extensions around its head, called dermal lobes, that look like baleen and resemble algae or marine sediment. These lobes not only enhance its camouflage, but can also be used as lures to attract prey closer to its mouth.
This shark is an ambush predator that hunts primarily at night. Its diet includes bony fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, and occasionally other smaller sharks. Due to its ability to remain motionless and camouflaged on the seafloor, the Orectolobus maculatus waits patiently for a prey to come close enough before quickly attacking with its large, rounded mouth, equipped with small but sharp teeth, which are effective at catching and holding its prey.
Despite its formidable appearance, the spotted carpet shark is not aggressive toward humans and is generally calm unless provoked. However, due to their excellent camouflage, they can easily be stepped on by unsuspecting divers, potentially triggering a defensive bite.
The Orectolobus maculatus is ovoviviparous, meaning that females carry the eggs inside their body until the embryos are fully developed and ready to be born as live young. This shark has small litters, usually 12 to 20 pups, which are born fully formed and independent from the moment of birth.
Approximate measurements of the Shark:
The Orectolobus maculatus has a flattened and wide body, which gives it an unusual appearance compared to other sharks. Its average size is around 1.5-1.9 meters in length, although some individuals can reach up to 3 meters. What really sets this shark apart is its coloration pattern and texture on its skin, which is covered in irregular brown, yellow and gray spots that resemble algae or corals on the seabed. This coloration helps it blend perfectly with its surroundings, becoming practically invisible to its prey and potential predators.
In addition to its coloration, the spotted carpet shark has dermal extensions around its head, called dermal lobes, that look like baleen and resemble algae or marine sediment. These lobes not only enhance its camouflage, but can also be used as lures to attract prey closer to its mouth.
This shark is an ambush predator that hunts primarily at night. Its diet includes bony fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, and occasionally other smaller sharks. Due to its ability to remain motionless and camouflaged on the seafloor, the Orectolobus maculatus waits patiently for a prey to come close enough before quickly attacking with its large, rounded mouth, equipped with small but sharp teeth, which are effective at catching and holding its prey.
Despite its formidable appearance, the spotted carpet shark is not aggressive toward humans and is generally calm unless provoked. However, due to their excellent camouflage, they can easily be stepped on by unsuspecting divers, potentially triggering a defensive bite.
The Orectolobus maculatus is ovoviviparous, meaning that females carry the eggs inside their body until the embryos are fully developed and ready to be born as live young. This shark has small litters, usually 12 to 20 pups, which are born fully formed and independent from the moment of birth.
Approximate measurements of the Shark:
- 1:24 Scale Complete
- Length 68 mm
- Height 16 mm
- Width 39 mm
- Snout-tail length 80 mm
- 1:10 Scale Complete
- Length 161 mm
- Height 39 mm
- Width 94 mm
- Snout-tail length 192 mm
