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I have learned so much and enjoy the Squaliformes thread so much, that i wanted to get a start on the next one. I am very curious about the Orectolobiformes fossils that are lurking in the collections of TFF members. Carpet Sharks are not only represented by teeth but there are also opportunities for far more complete specimens, especially from the Cretaceous of Lebanon. The goal of this thread is show off our fossils but also exchange information, learn and in general just appreciate some of the sharks less frequently seen on TFF. Orectolobiformes fossils date back as far as the Early Jurassic of Europe. Early genera include Folipistrix, Annea, Pseudospinax, Ornatoscyllium, and Palaeobrachaelurus. There is a pretty good amount of diversity during the Cretaceous, including North America. I have had good luck finding Orectolobiformes teeth by searching micro matrix from Texas. Several genera also come out of Lebanon as complete fossils. There are some great Cenozoic locations that produce multiple genera like Morocco, the Nanjemoy formation, the Tallahatta formation, and Lee Creek. I am sure others can provide further insights into good locations for Carpet Shark fossils. The modern Orectolobiformes are a fairly diverse group of sharks and they have some cool adaptations. There are 7 extant families, 13 genera and 46 species. Some members of this order are really beautiful with interesting colors and patterns. The largest fish in the sea is a Carpet Shark, of course the Whale Shark. It is the only only filter feeder in the order. Nurse Sharks use chemosensory organs to find their prey. Wobbegongs use stealth and excellent camouflage to avoid predators and be very effective hunters. Perhaps the coolest adaptation in this order and possibly the coolest shark adaptation anywhere comes from the ability of Bamboo Sharks to walk. Many Bambbo Sharks can use their pectoral find to walk along the ocean floor and a few can walk over land. The Epaulette Sharks will walk from tide pool to tide pool when they have to. They also have the remarkable ability to turn off certain neural functions in order to deal with hypoxia, a result of their extremely shallow water habitats. They can go a full air with no oxygen with no permanent damage. Anyway, on to the fossils....