FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes Western

1314 Sharks
Odontaspididae: fifth gill opening in front of pectoral-fin origin; eyes without
nictitating folds; largest teeth in front part of jaws (on either side of
symphysis), in upper jaw separated from large teeth at sides by a gap,
usually with 1 or 2 rows of intermediate teeth (largest teeth as sides of
jaws and no gap in teeth row of upper jaw in Carcharhinidae).
Other shark families: either caudal fin very long (Alopiidae), or head with
“hammer-like” lateral projections (Sphyrnidae), or caudal fin lunate
(Lamnidae), or size of adults much larger (Rhincodontidae), or a single
dorsal fin and 6 or 7 gill slits (Hexanchidae), or anal fin absent (Squalidae
and Squatinidae).
Key to the species of Carcharhinidae occurring in the area
1a. Upper labial furrows very long, extending to front of eyes; spiracles present and
relatively large; prominent lateral keels on caudal peduncle (Fig. 1); vertical black or
dusky bars on back, obscure or absent on adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Galeocerdo cuvier
1b. Upper labial furrows long to very short, not extending in front of eyes; spiracles usually
absent; lateral keels usually absent (except for weak ones in Prionace glauca) (Fig. 2) . . . . . → 2
2a. High proximal and distal cusplets present on most teeth in both jaws; expanded anterior
nasal and mesonarial flaps forming a tube for the excurrent aperture (Fig. 3) . . Triaenodon obesus
2b. Cusplets usually absent on lower teeth, low or absent on uppers (Fig. 4); nasal flaps
not forming a tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . → 3
high cusplets
ventral view
of head
Odontaspididae
labial furrows very long
Fig. 1 Galeocerdo cuvier
nostril
lateral keel
teeth
spiral
ring
scroll
(only Carcharhinidae and Sphyrnidae)
types of intestinal valves
head caudal fin
Fig. 2 other species
Fig. 3 Triaenodon obesus Fig. 4 teeth