Sharks, Rays, and Chimaera Taxonomy

Orders of Sharks

-Squaliformes

-Hexanchiformes

-Squantiformes

-Pristiophoriformes

-Carchariniformes

-Lamniformes

-Orectolobiformes

-Heterodontiformes

Characteristics of Squaliformes

-2 dorsal fins, no ventral fin

-Ventral mouth

-5 gill slits

-Short snout

-Nictitating membrane absent

Families within the Squaliformes Order

Echinorhinidae (Bramble Sharks)

Dalatiidae (Sleeper Sharks)

Squalidae (Dogfish Sharks)

Centrophoridae (Gulper Sharks)

Characteristics of Hexanchiformes

-1 dorsal fin, ventral fin present

-6-7 gill slits

-Small spiracles

Families within the Hexanchiformes Order

-Chlamydoselachidae (Frilled Shark)

-Hexanchidae (Cow Sharks)

Characteristics of Squantiformes

-Flattened body

-Terminal mouth

-No anal fin

-Ray-like

*1 Family —> Squantinidae (Angel Sharks

Characteristics of Pristiophoriformes

-Long “saw”

-Flattened body

-2 dorsal fins, no ventral fin

-Small spiracles

*1 Family —> Pristiophoridae (Sawsharks)

Characteristics of Carcharhiniformes (Ground Sharks)

-2 dorsal fins w/o spines, ventral fin present

-5 gill slits, last 1-3 over pectoral fins

-Nictitating membrane

Families within the Order Carcharhiniformes

-Scyliorhinidae (Catsharks)

-Proscylliidae (Finback Catsharks)

-Pseudotriakidae (False Cat Shark)

-Leptochariidae (Barbeled Houndshark)

-Triakidae (Smooth Hounds)

-Hemigaleidae (Weasel Sharks)

-Carcharhinidae (Requiem Sharks and Hammerheads)

Characteristics of Lamniformes

-5 gill slits

-2 dorsal fins, ventral fin present

-Keel (ridge along the base of the tail that enhances stability and streamlines swimming)

Families within the Order Lamniformes

-Odontaspididae (Sand Tigers)

-Mitsukurinidae (Goblin Shark)

-Pseudocarcharinidae (Crocodile Shark)

-Megachasmidae (Megamouth Shark)

-Alopiidae (Thresher Sharks)

-Cetorhinidae (Basking Shark)

-Lamnidae (Mackerel Sharks)

Characteristics of Orectolobiformes (Carpet Sharks)

-2 dorsal fins w/o spines, ventral fin present

-5 gill slits (5th overlaps 4th)

-Short mouth, before eyes

-Spiracles

-Most have barbels

Families within the Orectolobiformes Order

-Parascyllidae (Collared Carpet Sharks)

-Brachaeluridae (Blind Sharks)

-Orectolobidae (Wobbegongs)

-Hemiscyllidae (Bamboo Sharks)

-Ginglymostomatidae (Nurse Sharks)

-Stegostomatidae (Zebra Shark)

-Rhinocodontidae (Whale Shark)

Characteristics of Heterodontiformes

-Ridge over eyes

-5-7 gill slits

-Barbel around mouth

-2 dorsal fin, ventral fin present

*1 Family —> Heterodontidae (Horn Sharks)

Characteristics of Rajiformes

-Ventral gill openings

-No ventral fin

-Enlarged pectoral fin attached to side of head

-Spiracles

*1 Family —> Rajidae (Skates)

Characteristics of Myliobatiformes

-No dorsal fin

-Large spiracles

-Wing or disc-like fins fused to head

Families within the Order Myliobatiformes

-Myliobatidae (Eagle, Cownose, Manta, and Devil Rays)

-Dasyatidae (Whiptail Stingrays)

-Urolophidae (Round Stingrays)

-Gymnuridae (Butterfly Rays)

Characteristics of Rhinopristiformes

-2 dorsal fins, ventral fin present

-5 gill slits

-Back end is shark-like, front looks like a skate/ray

Families within the order Rhinopristiformes

-Pristidae (Sawfishes)

-Rhinobatidae (Guitarfish)

Characteristics of Torpediniformes (Electric Rays)

-Small eyes

-2 dorsal fins

-Round

-Weird caudal fin

-Electric organs on sides

Families within the Order Torpediniformes

-Torpedinidae

-Narcinidae

Characteristics of Chimaeriformes

-Smooth, rubbery skin

-1 gill opening

-Most have 2 dorsal fins, with a stout in front

-Permanent tooth plates

Families within the Order Chimaeriformes

-Chimaeridae (Shortnose Chimaeras)

-Callorhynchidae (Plownose Chimaeras)

-Rhinochimaeridae (Longnose Chimaeras)

If a scuba diver was swimming in the ocean and found a Thresher Shark, what would the taxonomic ranking for it be?

Class: Chondrichthyes

Subclass: Elasmobranchii

*Division: Selachii (true sharks)

Order: Lamniformes

Family: Alopiidae