Superorder: Galeomorphii
No Information Domesticated Near Threatened Endangered Extinct in the Wild
Data Deficient Least Concern Vulnerable Critically Endangered
Data Deficient Least Concern Vulnerable Critically Endangered
Order: Carcharhiniformes (Ground Sharks)
There are 8 families and over 270 species described here.
Family: Carcharhinidae (Requiem sharks)
There are 12 genera and 60 species described here.
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Blacknose Shark
Carcharhinus acronotus This shark is native to the shallow waters of the eastern United States, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and South America. It only grows to 4-5 feet in length.
For more information select the common name above.
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Black-Tip Reef Shark
Carcharhinus melanopterus Not quite reaching 6 feet in length, this shark is native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Due to its location It is an accidental target of commercial fishing.
For more information select the common name above.
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Galapagos Shark
Carcharhinus galapagensis For more information select the common name above.
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Sandbar Shark
Carcharhinus plumbeus Also known as a Thickskin Shark or Brown Shark, this shark is found in shallow waters throughout the world including the Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean, and Australia. It grows to around 5 feet in length and dives to depths of over 850 feet.
For more information select the common name above.
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White-Tipped Reef Shark
Triaenodon obesus For more information select the common name above.
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Family: Scyliorhinidae (Catsharks)
There are 17 genera and 160 species described here.
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Coral Catshark
Atelomycterus marmoratus Native to the waters of southeast Asia, this shark only grows to a length of around 2 feet.
For more information select the common name above.
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Family: Sphyrnidae (Hammerhead sharks)
There are 2 genera and 9 species described here.
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Bonnethead Shark
Sphyrna tiburo Native to the warmer coastal waters of the Americas, this shark grows to around 4.5 feet. It swims at depths ranging from 20 to 250 feet.
For more information select the common name above.
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Family: Triakidae (Houndsharks)
There are 9 genera and 40 species described here.
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Leopard Shark
Triakis semifasciata Common along the coast of the western North America from Oregon to the Baja Peninsula, this shark can be found at depths between 10 and 300 feet. It only grows to around 4 feet in length.
For more information select the common name above.
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Order: Lamniformes (Mackerel Sharks)
There are 10 families and 17 species described here.
Family Odontaspididae (Sand Sharks)
There are 2 genera and 3 species described here.
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Sand Tiger Shark
Carcharias taurus Also known as a Grey Nurse Shark, Spotted Ragged-Tooth Shark, or Blue-Nurse Sand Tiger, this species is scattered in different locations globally along coastlines of the Americas, Australia, Europe, Africa, and Asia. This shark grows to nearly 10 feet in length and lives along the bottom at depths of up to 600 feet.
For more information select the common name above.
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Order: Orectolobiformes (Carpet Sharks)
There are 7 families and 43 species described here.
Family: Ginglymostomatidae (Nurse Sharks)
There are 3 genera and 4 species described here.
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Nurse Shark
Ginglymostoma cirratum The range of this species is interesting: eastern and western Atlantic as well as the eastern Pacific: three completely separated locations. These sharks can grow to be 8 feet long and live at depths ranging from shallow water to 400 feet.
For more information select the common name above.
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Family: Hemiscylliidae (Bamboo Sharks)
There are 2 genera and 16 species described here.
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Whitespotted Bamboo Shark
Chiloscyllium plagiosum Native to the islands around Indonesia, this shark only grows to around 3 feet in length. It lives in shallow waters around reefs.
For more information select the common name above.
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Brownbanded Bamboo Shark
Chiloscyllium punctatum Also known as a Grey Carpetshark, this species is native to southeast Asia. It lives at depths ranging from intertidal areas to 250 feet down. It only grows to a length of 2-3 feet.
For more information select the common name above.
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Epaulette Shark
Hemiscyllium ocellatum Also known as a Longtailed Carpet Shark, this species is native to the waters around northern Australia and New Guinea. It only reaches around 3 feet in length and lives at depths of up to 150 feet.
For more information select the common name above.
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Family: Orectolobidae (Wobbegong Sharks)
There are 3 genera and 12 species described here.
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Spotted Wobbegong
Orectolobus maculatus This species is very similar to the Gulf Wobbegong (Orectolobus halei). It is native to the southern coast of Australia and can grow to nearly 10 feet in length.
For more information select the common name above.
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Family: Rhincodontidae (Whale Sharks)
There is only 1 species in this family.
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Whale Shark
Rhincodon typus Found in all the oceans at lower latitudes, this is the largest living species of fish. It grow to sizes of just over 40 feet in length and can weigh 20 tons. It is a filter feeder straining its food from the water as it passes.
For more information select the common name above.
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Family: Stegostomatidae (Zebra Sharks)
There is only 1 species in this family.
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Native to the southwestern Pacific and Indian Oceans, this species was changed from Vulnerable to Endangered in 2015. It grows to nearly 8 feet in length and lives at depths as far down as 200 feet.
For more information select the common name above.
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