Carcharhiniformes

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Scyliorhinidae (cat sharks)

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Proscyllidae (finback cat sharks)

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Pseudotriakidae (false cat sharks)

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Leptochariidae (barbeled houndshark)

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Triakidae (hound sharks)

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Hemigaleidae (weasel sharks)

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Carcharhinidae (requiem sharks)

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The ground sharks, order Carcharhiniformes, are the largest order of sharks; they are also called whaler sharks. With over 270 species, carcharhiniforms include a number of common types, such as the blue shark and sandbar shark.

Related Topics:
Shark - Blue shark - Sandbar shark

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Members of the orders are characterized by the presence of a nictitating membrane over the eye, two dorsal fins, an anal fin, and five gill slits.

Related Topics:
Nictitating membrane - Dorsal fin - Anal fin - Gill

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The families of the carcharhiniforms are expected to be revised; recent DNA studies show that some of the traditional groups are not monophyletic.

Related Topics:
DNA - Monophyletic

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