Appendix A
Sharks, Skates, Rays, and Chimaeras
of the World
The following classification is based on Nelson (2006), with some updates from
various experts.Class Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes)
Subclass Elasmobranchii (sharklike fishes)
Infraclass Euselachii (sharks and rays)
Division Neoselachii
Subdivision Selachii (sharks)
Superorder Galeomorphi
Order Heterodontiformesa (8 species, marine):
Heterodontidaeb (bullhead, horn sharks)
Order Orectolobiformes (32 species, marine):
Parascylliidae (collared carpet sharks)
Brachaeluridae (blind sharks)
Orectolobidae (wobbegongs)
Hemiscylliidae (bamboo sharks)
Stegostomatidae (Zebra Shark)c(^) Ginglymostomatidae (nurse sharks)
Rhincodontidae (Whale Shark)
Order Lamniformes (15 species, marine):
Odontaspididae (sand tiger sharks)
Mitsukurinidae (Goblin Shark)
Pseudocarchariidae (Crocodile Shark)
Megachasmidae (Megamouth Shark)
Alopiidae (thresher sharks)
Cetorhinidae (Basking Shark)
Lamnidae (mackerel sharks)
Order Carcharhiniformes (224 species, mostly marine):
Scyliorhinidae (catsharks)
Proscylliidae (finback catsharks)
Pseudotriakidae (false catsharks)
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a The terms used for orders of sharks end in the letters -iformes. Adjective and noun forms end
in -iform and -iforms. For example, the heterodontiform bullhead sharks are also called heterodonti-
forms.
b The names for families of sharks always end in the letters -idae. Adjective and noun forms end
in -id and -ids. For example, the heterodontid bullhead sharks are also called heterodontids.
c When a family contains only one species, we have capitalized the species name, using the con-
vention of capitalizing common names of specific species.