Orectolobiiformes

Orectolobiiformes is an order of cartilaginous fishes belonging to the class Chondrichthyes, commonly known as the carpet sharks. This group is characterized by their broad, flattened bodies, which resemble carpets, and their relatively small size compared to other shark species. The order comprises two extant families: Orectolobidae (whiprays and carpet sharks) and Hemiscylliidae (bamboo sharks), as well as several extinct lineages.

Carpet sharks are primarily found in tropical and subtropical coastal waters, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. They exhibit a diverse range of behaviors, including benthic (bottom-dwelling) habits, nocturnal activity, and some species capable of short bursts of speed. Unlike many predatory sharks, carpet sharks often feed on invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms, though some larger species may also consume small fish and even other sharks.

The Orectolobidae family includes well-known species like the nurse shark (*Ginglymostoma cirratum*), which is found in the Atlantic and Caribbean, and the whale shark (*Rhincodon typus*), the largest fish in the world. Whale sharks, despite their size, are filter feeders, consuming plankton and small organisms. The Hemiscylliidae family, or bamboo sharks, are smaller and often exhibit more complex reproductive strategies, including some species that give birth to live young (ovoviviparity) and others that lay eggs.

Fossil records indicate that carpet sharks have existed for over 100 million years, with early forms appearing in the Jurassic period. Their evolutionary history reflects adaptations to a variety of ecological niches, contributing to their survival and diversification over geological time scales. Conservation efforts are increasingly focused on protecting these species, as many face threats from habitat degradation, overfishing, and bycatch.