carpet shark, (order Orectolobiformes), any of about 40 species of sharks possessing mottled patterns on the body that are evocative of carpet designs. They are found in all oceans but are concentrated in the Indo-Pacific and Australian regions.

The largest carpet shark is the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) which can grow to a length of 14 m (46 ft). It is the largest species of fish, but despite its size, is not dangerous, as it is a filter feeder , drawing in water through its wide mouth and sifting out the plankton .

The whale shark, the largest fish in the world, with a maximum length of 39 ft (12 m), feeds on plankton. Little information exists on creatures that are predatory towards fishes in this order, but carcharhinid sharks are known to prey on small orectolobiformes.

Growing to a length of at least 45 feet (14 metres), the Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) is an enormous filter-feeder. Its filtering mechanism consists of stacked triangular plates of spongy tissue that bridge the gaps between successive gill bars.

Orectolobiformes, also known as carpet sharks, are a diverse of sharks characterized for having two dorsal fins, five gill slits, and relatively short mouths. Several species have barbels and some have intricate carpet-like patterns, which give this order its nickname.

Jun 13, 2024 · There are 45 different carpet sharks, and they range dramatically in size. This type of shark includes the whale shark, which is the largest fish in the world . It also includes different types of sharks which are smaller such as nurse sharks, bamboo sharks, and wobbegongs.

Jul 6, 2023 · Carpet sharks have flattened bodies with broad heads and large pectoral fins. They typically inhabit shallow, coastal waters in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. These sharks are known for their fascinating camouflage patterns that …

Oct 8, 2024 · Carpet sharks derive their common name from the fact that many species have a mottled appearance with intricate patterns reminiscent of carpet designs. The patterning provides camouflage when the fish is lying on the seabed. The largest carpet shark is the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) which can grow to a

Oct 21, 2021 · We address the significance of this biodiversity hotspot in carpet shark evolution and speciation by leveraging a rich fossil record and molecular phylogenetics to examine the prehistoric distribution of carpet sharks.

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a slow-moving, filter-feeding carpet shark and the largest known extant fish species. The largest confirmed individual had a length of 18.8 m (61.7 ft). [8] The whale shark holds many records for size in the animal kingdom, most notably being by far the most massive living non-cetacean animal.