Family: LAMNIDAE, Mackerel Shark, Mackerel Sharks, Mako Sharks
D2 & A very small
C semilunar, base with keel
teeth few, long
FAMILY LAMNIDAE
MACKEREL SHARKS, MAKO SHARKS
Lamnids are generally large (to 6 m), powerful sharks distinguished by a spindle-shaped body; pointed snout; teeth few, sharp, dagger-like or triangular and serrated, with 1 point; five long gill slits, all in front of pectoral fin; two dorsal fins, 1st well in front of pelvic fins; second dorsal and anal fins very small; tail base slender, strongly depressed, with large keels that extend well onto tail fin; tail fin lunate, almost symmetrical.
This family is distributed in all temperate and tropical seas. It contains three genera and five species, including the Great White Shark. Three genera and 4 species occur in the greater Caribbean.
PREPARED BY D ROSS ROBERTSON, AFTER CARPENTER (2002)
