Order: Orectolobiformes
This is an example of a shark from the order Orectolobiformes (carpet sharks). This particular shark is called a Zebra Shark (Stegostoma fasciatum)
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Also known as carpet sharks, this order of sharks is quite similar to the ground sharks. There are a total of seven families and thirty -three species in this order.
Carpet sharks only dwell in saltwater environments. These sharks prefer temperate and tropical areas and swim at a relatively deep level. They can be found in all of the major oceans, but are more common in the Indo-West Pacific waters. Carpet sharks have anal fins, but no spines on their two dorsal fins. They have pig like snouts and short mouths that connect by grooves to the nostrils. Their nostrils boast unique barbels on their inside edges. |
Order: Lamniformes
Also known as mackerel sharks, this order of sharks are usually found in coastal
and ocean environment in temperate and tropical zones of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Mackerel sharks are arguably the most iconic sharks. They are fearsome predators that enjoy feeding in temperate or tropical waters. There are fifteen species in the order, from Mako sharks to Great White sharks.
and ocean environment in temperate and tropical zones of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Mackerel sharks are arguably the most iconic sharks. They are fearsome predators that enjoy feeding in temperate or tropical waters. There are fifteen species in the order, from Mako sharks to Great White sharks.
These sharks have an anal fin, two dorsal fins, but are without spines. They have five pairs of gill slits, either entirely in front of the pectoral fin base or with the last two of slits above the pectoral base. They also have spiracles (pores) that are small and behind their eyes. They have a sub-terminal mouth with their jaws extending well behind their eyes. Within that, their teeth feature the “lamnoid dental pattern,” with large anterior teeth.
Order: Heterodontiformes
Heterodontiformes are usually referred to as Bullhead or Horn Sharks. There are nine species in this order, being a relatively small order. These sharks prefer temperate or tropical shallow waters, such as those near the coast, and tend to swim a maximum depth of about 300 metres. Additionally, Horn Sharks cannot survive in fresh water, so they are usually found in large oceans, such as in the eastern and western parts of the Pacific Ocean.
Horn Sharks are relatively small sharks, the largest shark seen being around 150 centimetres in length. They have stumpy snouts, a distinct "brow" ridge above each eye and do not have a nictitating membrane. They have five pairs of gill slits. The front of their dorsal fin is reinforced with a strong spine, unlike many other shark species.
Horn Sharks are relatively small sharks, the largest shark seen being around 150 centimetres in length. They have stumpy snouts, a distinct "brow" ridge above each eye and do not have a nictitating membrane. They have five pairs of gill slits. The front of their dorsal fin is reinforced with a strong spine, unlike many other shark species.