From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids
Lamniformes is an order of sharks, also known as mackerel sharks (which may also be used to refer to the sub-group of Lamniformes, Lamnidae). It includes some of the most familiar species of sharks, such as the great white shark, and some extremely rare types, such as the megamouth shark.
Characteristics of the order include: two dorsal fins, an anal fin, five gill slits, eyes without nictitating membrane, and mouth extending behind the eyes.
[edit] Classification
Family Alopiidae (thresher sharks)
- Alopias
- Pelagic thresher, Alopias pelagicus Nakamura, 1935 [1]
- Bigeye thresher, Alopias superciliosus (Lowe, 1841) [2]
- Thintail thresher, Alopias vulpinus (Bonnaterre, 1788) [3]
- Alopias sp.
Family Cetorhinidae (basking shark)
Family Lamnidae (mackerel sharks)
- Carcharodon
- Great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias (Linnaeus, 1758) [5]
- Megatooth shark, Carcharodon megalodon (Unknown) Extinct
- Isurus
- Shortfin mako, Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque, 1810 [6]
- Longfin mako, Isurus paucus Guitart Manday, 1966 [7]
- Lamna
Family Megachasmidae (megamouth shark)
Family Mitsukurinidae (goblin shark)
Family Carchariidae (sand tigers)
- Carcharias
- Grey nurse shark or sand tiger shark, Carcharias taurus Rafinesque, 1810 [12]
- Indian sand tiger, Carcharias tricuspidatus Day, 1878 [13]
Family Odontaspididae (Raggedtooths)
- Odontaspis
- Smalltooth sand tiger or bumpytail raggedtooth, Odontaspis ferox (Risso, 1810) [14]
- Bigeye sand tiger, Odontaspis noronhai (Maul, 1955) [15]
Family Pseudicarchariidae (crocodile shark)
[edit] External links
