Hexanchidae
by M. Boeseman
Moderate or large sharks with a single spineless dorsal fin far back on body, an anal fin and a caudal fin with distinct lower lobe and a notch in upper lobe. Gill-slits 6 or 7. Teeth in upper jaw with single prominent cusp, in lower jaw comb-like, with one large anterior cusp and many smaller ones.
Benthic or pelagic, in all warmer waters, uncommon or rare and of limited commercial importance. Ovoviviparous. Feeding on fishes.
Genera 3; in Clofnam area 2.
Recent revisions: Bass et al. (1975,1986 - South African seas), Compagno (1984 - world-wide).