Order: Lamniformes (7 Families; 15 Species)

This group includes some of the most recognizable and powerful open-ocean sharks. While most are active, fast-swimming predators, this order also includes rare deep-sea species like the Goblin Shark and Megamouth Shark.

The White Shark family (Lamnidae family) includes five large, warm-blooded species: the Great White Shark, Salmon Shark, Porbeagle Shark, and two species of Mako Sharks. These sharks are known for their speed, endurance, and wide-ranging ocean migrations.

All species in this order share key traits: a cylindrical body, five gill slits, two spineless dorsal fins, an anal fin, and eyes lacking nictitating membranes (the protective third eyelid found in some other sharks).

Order: Orectolobiformes (7 Families; 44 Species)

This highly diverse order includes sharks of all shapes, sizes, and habitats. Despite their variety, they all have two spineless dorsal fins, five gill slits, spiracles behind their eyes, and no nictitating membrane. Many species have intricate, carpet-like patterns that help them blend into their surroundings—hence the name "Carpet Sharks."

Carpet Sharks are found worldwide, primarily in tropical and temperate waters.

Order: Carcharhiniformes (8 Families; 281+ Species)

The largest and most diverse shark order, Ground Sharks range from small, harmless species to large oceanic predators. Despite their differences in appearance and behavior, all members share a few key traits: two spineless dorsal fins, 5 gill slits, and an anal fin. Unlike some other sharks, they also possess a nictitating membrane to protect their eyes.

This order includes the Catsharks—the largest shark family, with over 160 species of small, elongated sharks found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide, at varying depths. And the Requiem Sharks, a group of migratory, live-bearing sharks found in warm and tropical waters.

Order: Squaliformes (6 Families; 130 Species)

A diverse group ranging in size from the 8in Dwarf Lantern Shark up to the massive 21ft Greenland Shark (a type of Sleeper Shark). Many species, including all Lantern sharks and all Kitefin sharks, exhibit intrinsic bioluminescence—the ability to glow in the dark.

All Dogfish Sharks share key features: two dorsal fins, no anal fin, no nictitating membrane, and five gill slits. They inhabit a wide variety of marine environments, with their highest diversity found in deep-sea habitats. This order includes the only sharks that live in high-latitude Arctic waters.

Order: Hexanchiformes (2 Families; 7 Species)

Considered among the most "primitive" surviving sharks, these deep-water species have changed little over millions of years. Their most notable feature is their gill slits—unlike most sharks, which have five pairs, these species have six or seven.

This order consists of 2 unique familes: Frilled Sharks, which have a long, eel-like body and 6 gill slits, and the Cow Sharks, which all have a stocky build and either 6 or 7 gill slits, depending on the species.

Order: Squatiniformes (2 Families; 7 Species)

This small order of bottom-dwelling sharks closely resemble rays due to their broad, flattened bodies and large pectoral fins. However, unlike rays, their gill slits are on the sides of their heads rather than underneath.

Sadly, an estimated 50-80% of all Angel shark species are threatened and close to extinction.

Order: Echinorhiniformes (1 Family; 2 Species)

This rare and little-known order consists of only two large species, distinguished by their thorn-like dermal denticles (tooth-like scales) covering their bodies.

The taxonomic placement of Bramble Sharks varies by source—some classify them within the Dogfish order, while others recognize them as their own distinct order.

Order: Heterodontiformes (1 Family; 9 Species)

An ancient order with a long fossil record, Bullhead Sharks are small, stout-bodied sharks with pig-like snouts and distinct eye crests. They have two dorsal fins, each equipped with a sharp spine for defense.

Their scientific name, Heterodontiformes ("different teeth"), refers to their unique tooth structure: pointed teeth at the front for gripping prey and flat grinding teeth in the back for crushing shells.

Order: Pristiophoriformes (1 Family; 8 Species)

This order contains one family of little known sharks. These slender sharks have a distinctive long, saw-like snout (rostrum) lined with sharp teeth, which they use to slash at prey.

Not to be confused with sawfish (a family of rays), Saw Sharks have gill slits on the sides of their heads and a pair of long barbels on their snouts.

Order: Chimaeriformes (3 Families; 51+ Species)

Though not actual sharks, Chimaeras (also known as ghost sharks) are cartilaginous fish that are the closest living relatives of sharks and rays.

Chimaeras have smooth, scaleless skin, a fused upper jaw, and a single external gill opening covered by a bony plate (similar to bony fish). Instead of multiple rows of teeth, they have large, permanent grinding tooth plates.

Most species inhabit the deep ocean, often growing up to six feet in length. Their eyes reflect light with a ghostly glow, adding to their eerie appearance.

Sharks and their relatives have existed for hundreds of millions of years—long before trees evolved. The lineage of sharks/rays/chimaeras has survived 5 mass extinctions and their incredible diversity is key to their success.

Because shark skeletons are made of cartilage (which decomposes quickly), most fossils we find are teeth. Shark teeth are composed of dentin, which is harder and denser than bone, allowing them to fossilize more easily.

Fun Fact: Some of the prehistoric species in this section are more closely related to modern Chimaeras than to today's Sharks.