Dalatiidae

Dalatiidae
Kitefin shark, Dalatias licha
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Subclass: Elasmobranchii
Order: Squaliformes
Family: Dalatiidae
J. E. Gray, 1851
Type species
Squalus licha
Bonnaterre, 1788
Diversity
7 genera, 10 species, See text.
Cookiecutter shark, Isistius brasiliensis

The Dalatiidae are the family of kitefin sharks of the order Squaliformes (the term "kitefin shark" also refers specifically to the species Dalatias licha). Members of this family are small, under 2 m (6.6 ft) long, and are found worldwide. They have cigar-shaped bodies with narrow heads and rounded snouts. Several species have specialized bioluminescent organs.[1] Though seven species are in this family, five of them are monotypic.

Genera and species

See also

References

  1. Hamlett, W.C., ed. (1999). Sharks, Skates, and Rays: The Biology of Elasmobranch Fishes. JHU Press. pp. 16–17. ISBN 0-8018-6048-2.
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