Order Summary for Carcharhiniformes

  Main Ref
:
  Order
:
Carcharhiniformes ground sharks
  Class
:
Elasmobranchii
  Sister Order
:
Lamniformes 135 M years
  Ref.
:
  First Fossil Record
:
early Cretaceous
  Occurs in
:
Marine
Fresh
Brackish
  Remark
:
Two dorsal fins (one dorsal fin in the scyliorhinid Pentachus profundicolus, known only from the holotype), without spines; anal fin present; five gill slits, with the last one to three over the pectoral fin; gill rakers absent; eyes with nictitating fold or membrane; spiracles present or absent; intestinal value of spiral or scroll type. Development may be oviparous, ovoviparous, or viviparous.
  Class etymology
:
Greek eulanein, elasmos = metal beaten out + Greek brangchia = gills. Ref. 45335.
  Order etymology
:
Greek, carcharias = shark Latin, clupea}, sardine + {Latin. Shape}, look, appearance, shape. 1880 (Ref. 45335).
  Families
:

Ref.
[ e.g. 9948]                       
Glossary
                    [ e.g. cephalopods]

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