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Dalatiidae

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Dalatiidae
Kitefin shark, Dalatias licha
Scientific classification
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Dalatiidae

Type species
Squalus licha
Bonnaterre, 1788
Diversity
7 genera, 10 species, See text.
Cookiecutter shark, Isistius brasiliensis

The Dalatiidae are a family of sharks in the order Squaliformes, commonly known as kitefin sharks (which also refers specifically to the species Dalatias licha). Members of this family are small, under 2 m (6.6 ft) long, and are found worldwide. They have cigar-shaped bodies with narrow heads and rounded snouts. Several species have specialized bioluminescent organs.[1] Though seven species are in this family, five of them are monotypic.

Genera and species

See also

References

  1. ^ Hamlett, W.C., ed. (1999). Sharks, Skates, and Rays: The Biology of Elasmobranch Fishes. JHU Press. pp. 16–17. ISBN 0-8018-6048-2.