Orectolobus reticulatus, the network wobbegong, is a recently described species of carpet shark found in relatively shallow waters off Kimberley and Darwin in north-western Australia. With a known maximum length of only , it may be the smallest species of wobbegong. Until its description in 2008, it had been confused with the northern wobbegong. The network wobbegong has a short snout, broad head, elongated body, and two dorsal fins, with the first being slightly larger than the second. Its body is grayish brown with darker brown markings and a pale yellow underbelly. The network wobbegong lives in shallow waters along reefy bottoms. The reproductive strategies of this species are not known, but other Orectolobus species are oviparous and have slow reproductive cycles. Its dentition indicates that the diet of the network wobbegong consists predominantly of small fishes, as well as some cephalopods and crustaceans, such as lobsters and crabs. Anatomy and morphology Orectolobus reticulatus is a member of the small subgroup of wobbegongs, otherwise known as carpet sharks. Their bold markings, symmetrical patterns, and flattened appearance resemble a carpet, hence the name. Orectolobus reticulatus has simple dermal lobes that line its upper lip and act as camouflage for prey. The lobes are weed-like whiskers surrounding the jaw and act as sensory barbs. Their dermal lobes are mostly grey, and their ventral lobes appear slightly paler. The patterned dark spots that cover their body, in addition to the pale yellow saddles and fine reticulations, aid in camouflage against predators and prey. The sides of the head of the Orectolobus reticulatus have fine white spots and dark reticulates. The back of the head has dark, brownish black spots that are slightly smaller than their eyes. The rest of their body has four distinct dark markings that run along the tops of their back. The differences in morphology between Orectolobus reticulatus and other similar species can be noted in their size. Orectolobus reticulatus have smaller dorsal fins, a shorter head, and longer snout vent length compared to other wobbegong sharks. The largest Orectolobus reticulatus measured was a female at 523 mm total length. Distribution and habitat The network wobbegong is endemic to the coast of Northwestern Australia. Specimens have been collected from Louis Island, Long Reef, and Darwin Harbour. Network wobbegongs live in very shallow water along the continental shelf, not exceeding depths of 20 m. Based on areas where the specimens were