From Conservapedia - Reading time: 1 min| Orectolobiformes | |
|---|---|
| Spotted wobbegong Orectolobus maculatus | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom Information | |
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Subkingdom | Biliteria |
| Branch | Deuterostomia |
| Phylum Information | |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Sub-phylum | Vertebrata |
| Infraphylum | Gnathostomata |
| Class Information | |
| Class | Chondrichthyes |
| Sub-class | Elasmobranchii |
| Order Information | |
| Superorder | Selachimorpha |
| Order | Orectolobiformes |
| Family Information | |
| Families | Parascyllidae Brachaeluridae Orectolobidae Hemiscyllidae Stegostomatidae Ginglymostomatidae Rhiniodontidae |
| Population statistics | |
Orectolobiformes are an order of sharks, consisting of seven families and 43 species of what are loosely called "carpet" sharks, so-named for the intricate patterns resembling oriental carpeting. Most species are small bottom dwellers; the exception is the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the largest living fish at up to 60 feet in length.
Orectolobidae, also known as Wobbegongs, are a family of Orectolobiformes. The name is believed to be derived from an Australian Aboriginal term for "shaggy beard", referring to their bearded appearance.