The carpet shark camouflages itself so effectively that it nearly disappears on the ocean floor, waiting for unsuspecting prey to swim by before lunging to suck its victim into its enormous mouth.
Video: Discovery
Carpet shark (Eucrossorhinus dasypogon) is found in the western Pacific, off the northern coast of Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia. They primarily feed on fish, crabs, squid, octopuses, and other shark species, according to Live Science.
This shark species can grow up to 1.2 meters in length and is a master of camouflage, able to blend seamlessly into the ocean floor due to its broad, flattened body and dark, stain-like coloration, which helps it merge with rocky reefs. They also have coral-like protrusions that form a fringe resembling whiskers around their head and chin, further obscuring the shark’s outline and adding an extra layer of disguise. Consequently, the scientific name of the carpet shark derives from the Greek words for “hair” and “whisker.”
Its ability to blend into the surroundings makes the carpet shark a dangerous predator. During the day, they rest beneath the edges of reefs or in caves. They utilize sensory organs similar to whiskers located on their nostrils to detect the environment and ambush prey that comes too close. Carpet sharks also wave their tails to mimic the movements of small fish, thereby attracting unsuspecting victims.
The camouflaged carpet shark striking suddenly.
However, at night, carpet sharks become highly active. They lie on the reef and attack passing prey. Upon spotting a target, they charge straight ahead, sucking the prey into their mouth before closing their powerful jaws and sharp teeth. This species is capable of dislocating its jaw to consume larger prey, including other shark species. In 2021, while conducting fish surveys off the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, marine biologists discovered a carpet shark swallowing a bamboo shark (Hiloscyllium punctatum) that was 80% of its own size.
Carpet sharks pose very little threat to humans, but they occasionally bite divers who swim too close. The International Shark Attack File database at the Florida Museum has recorded 31 attacks attributed to various carpet shark species since 1580, with no fatalities reported. The carpet shark’s camouflage also helps protect it from larger predatory animals.
