Order LAMNIFORMES


Common name: Mackeral Sharks
Summary:

A diverse group of seven chondrichthyan families that includes a number of iconic and highly specialised sharks, including the Goblin Shark, the Basking Shark, the Megamouth Shark, and apex marine predators such as the White Shark, nurse sharks and thresher sharks.

Species are found worldwide in tropical and temperate oceanic and coastal waters, often to great depths. Most species are streamlined open-water sharks that swim constantly. All families occur in Australian waters.

Mackeral Sharks have two dorsal fins (without spines) and an anal fin, but lack a nictitating membrane on the eye. They range in size from 1-10 metres.

Author: Bray, D.J. 2017

Cite this page as:
Bray, D.J. 2017, Mackeral Sharks, LAMNIFORMES in Fishes of Australia, accessed 04 Oct 2024, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/order/23

Order References


Belben RA, Underwood CJ, Johanson Z, Twitchett RJ (2017) Ecological impact of the end-Cretaceous extinction on lamniform sharks. PLoS ONE 12(6): e0178294. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0178294

Compagno, L J.V. 2001. Sharks of the World: An Annotated and Illustrated Catalogue of Shark Species Known to Date, Volume 2; Bullhead, Mackerel and Carpet Sharks (Heterodontiformes, Lamniformes and Orectolobiformes). FAO. Rome, Italy.

Last, P.R. & Stevens, J.D. 2009. Sharks and Rays of Australia. Collingwood : CSIRO Publishing Australia Ed. 2, 550 pp.

White, W. 2008. Shark Families Heterodontidae to Pristiophoridae. pp. 32-100 in Gomon. M.F., Bray, D.J. & Kuiter, R.H (eds). Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Sydney : Reed New Holland 928 pp.