Carcharhinidae
(combined with Hemigaleidae and Triakidae in Clofnam 13)
by S. Branstetter
Head of normal shape, not laterally expanded into cephalofoil. Snout usually depressed, ranging from narrowly pointed to broadly rounded; nostrils without barbels; nasal flaps small, medial flaps most developed. Mouth parabolic in shape; labial furrows usually confined to corners of mouth (long in Galeocerdo and some Rhizoprionodon). Teeth blade-like with a single cusp, serrate to non-serrate, erect to oblique, broadly triangular to narrow and spike-like, some with several cusplets on outer edge. Eyes round to slightly oval; nictitating membrane present, internal; subocular ridge absent. Spiracle present or absent. Gill-slits 5, of variable length, third the longest, fifth the shortest, fifth and usually fourth over or behind pectoral fin origin. Gillrakers absent (except Prionace). Rostral cartilages 3, united anteriorly. Pectoral fins variable in shape, short and broad, to long and slender; two dorsal fins, the first with base anterior to pelvic origin, the second usually much smaller than first; inter-dorsal ridge present or absent; second dorsal fin origin over or slightly anterior to anal fin base. Keels on caudal peduncle present or absent; pre-caudal pits present; caudal fin well developed, lower lobe well differentiated, sub-terminal notch present on upper lobe. Intestinal valve of scroll type. Colour grey to brown dorsally (blue in Prionace), white below.
Demersal to epipelagic, littoral to open ocean in distribution, some entering freshwater. Ovoviviparous or viviparous, number of young usually small. Feed primarily on fish, also some crustaceans, molluscs, birds, turtles, sea mammals and garbage. Sluggish to highly active swimmers. Commercially important for fins, hides, flesh, liver oils and teeth throughout the world.
Recent revisions: Bigelow and Schroeder (1948), Compagno (1973, 1979), Rhizoprionodon by Springer (1964), Carcharhinus by Garrick (1982).