LAMNIDAE / MACKEREL SHARKS

The Lamnidae are the family of mackerel sharks. They are large, fast-swimming sharks, found in oceans worldwide. The name of the family is formed from the Greek word, lamna, which means fish of prey, and was derived from the Greek legendary shark god or creature, the Lamia.

These sharks have pointed snouts, spindle-shaped bodies, and large gill openings. The first dorsal fin is large, high, stiff, and angular or somewhat rounded. These sharks gave 5 gill slits, and do not have nictitating membranes. Unlike other sharks, they maintain a higher body temperature than the surrounding water.