Carcharhinidae

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | 700+ words | Copyright

Carcharhinidae (whaler shark, blue shark, tiger shark; subclass Elasmobranchii, order Lamniformes) A large family of mainly pelagic sharks, in which the last of the five gill slits are placed over the origin of the pectoral fin; the spiracle is narrow and slit-like, and the first and larger of the two dorsal fins is placed well forward. These sharks have a generally drab brown to blue colour, being lighter underneath. Some species (e.g. Prionace glauca, blue shark, which can reach a length of 3.5 m), have a world-wide distribution, avoiding only the polar seas. Galeocerda cuvieri (tiger shark) also inhabits many oceans and can reach a length of 5 m. It is live-bearing, producing up to 46 live young at a time. There are about 85 species, including species such as Mustelus mustelus (smooth hound, or dogfish), which sometimes is placed in another family (Triakidae).

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Carcharhinidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Carcharhinidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Carcharhinidae.html

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