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Ground Sharks. Order Carcharhiniformes |
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Page 2 of 6 Characteristics of Ground Sharks
Order Carcharhiniformes # of Species
| 277 | Body shape
| Despite diversity, there is much consistency among Ground Sharks. Rounded bodies. Many species are slender and also small, between 2-3 feet, while others are up to 10 feet. Hammerheads have the distinctive flattening of the head.
| Mouth position
| Underneath
| Anal fin
| Yes | Dorsal Fin
| 2 | Fin spines
| No | # of Gill slits
| 5 | Reproduction
| Variable: either oviparous, ovoviviparous, or viviparous (see glossary for definitions) | Unique qualities
| Eyes have 'nictitating' membranes, or lower eyelids which are closeable to some degree. | Habitat
| Ground Sharks are 'generalists', with broad range of habitat. Cover most marine habitats depending on species, from estuaries areas, coastal, open ocean, and even in some cases freshwater. Found in temperate to tropical zones of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. | Food
| Broad range of prey, including fish, including other sharks, rays, squid and sea snakes. |
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