Squalidae
The Squalidae is a family of sharks belonging to the order Squaliformes. Commonly referred to as dogfish sharks, these fish are characterized by their slender bodies, two dorsal fins with spines, and a lack of an anal fin. Squalidae is the largest family within Squaliformes, encompassing over 100 species distributed across various marine environments globally.
Common Names
Members of Squalidae are commonly known as dogfish sharks. This name is often used for the genus Squalus, but it also applies to other Squalidae species.
Characteristics
Squalidae sharks share several distinctive characteristics, including:
- Slender, fusiform body shape
- Two dorsal fins with spines
- Absence of an anal fin
- Five gill slits
- Small, pointed snout
- Large eyes
- Teeth with sharp cusps, adapted for gripping and tearing prey
Environments
Squalidae sharks are found in a wide range of marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to deep oceanic depths. Some species are known to inhabit both pelagic and benthic zones, while others are more specialized to specific habitats. They can be found in both warm and cold waters, with some species exhibiting a preference for specific temperature ranges.
References
For further information on Squalidae, consult these reliable sources: