Lamnidae

noun

Distribution: global. Large sharks with pointed snouts and spindle-shaped bodies. Large gill openings. First dorsal fin large, high, erect and angular or somewhat rounded. Second dorsal and anal fins minute. Caudal peduncle with a distinct keel; large teeth; fifth gill opening in front of pectoral fin; spiracle sometimes absent. Maximum length up to 6.4 m or more. Fast swimming predators. Some are maneaters. Ovoviviparous, embryos feeding on yolk sac and other ova produced by the mother (Ref. 50449).

The family Lamnidae belongs to the Class Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) and the Order Lamniformes. It contains 3 genera and 5 species. It may be found in Marine environments and is primarily Marine. Members of this family are not used in the aquarium trade. Reproductively, most members of this family are bearers. The main mode of swimming of adult fish in this family is thunniform. Compared with other fish, the activity level of this family tends to be active. Members of this family have been dated back to the Cretaceous period. Etymology of this family name: Greek, lamna, -es = shark