The necklace carpet shark (Parascyllium variolatum) is a small, bottom-dwelling shark found in temperate coastal waters off southern Australia. Its name comes from the distinctive dark ring or “necklace” marking behind its head, which contrasts with its pale, spotted body—a pattern that helps it blend perfectly with sandy or rocky reef substrates. Reaching a maximum length of just over 90 cm, this shark is harmless, slow-moving, and mostly nocturnal, often hiding in crevices or under ledges during the day. At night, it emerges to feed on small crustaceans, worms, and reef invertebrates, cruising low along the bottom with minimal motion.