Banded Carpet Shark, Orectolobus halei Whitley, 1940
Gulf Wobbegong
Introduction
The Banded Carpet Shark is a distinctively coloured species. It has dark corrugated saddles that are bordered by rows of small dark spots.
Identification
The species has several branched dermal lobes on the head margin. There are two tubercles above the eyes and a white spot behind both spiracles.
Orectolobus halei was originally described in 1940 by the Australian Museum's fish curator Gilbert Whitley, as a subspecies (Orectolobus ornatus halei). Charlie Huveneers' paper redescribed the species and elevated it to full species status.

© Grey McNeil
Distribution
Temperate and some subtropical waters from southern Queensland to the central coast of Western Australia.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Life history cycle
Banded Carpet Sharks reach maturity at about 16 years of age.
References
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
- Huveneers, C. 2006. Redescription of two species of wobbegongs (Chondrichthys: Orectolobidae) with elevation of Orectolbus halei Whitley 1940 to species level. Zootaxa. 1284: 29-51.
- Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 2009. Sharks and Rays of Australia. Edition 2. CSIRO. Pp. 644, Pl. 1-91.
Life history cycle
Banded Carpet Sharks reach maturity at about 16 years of age.
References
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
- Huveneers, C. 2006. Redescription of two species of wobbegongs (Chondrichthys: Orectolobidae) with elevation of Orectolbus halei Whitley 1940 to species level. Zootaxa. 1284: 29-51.
- Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 2009. Sharks and Rays of Australia. Edition 2. CSIRO. Pp. 644, Pl. 1-91.