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Sand tiger sharks swimming around a wreck in the Atlantic Ocean

Mackerel sharks

Mackerel sharks are thought to have been around for some 120 million years. They are an order of fish that includes some of the most iconic shark species, from the basking and mako sharks to the great white. Mackerel sharks boast among their numbers both the harmless filter feeders and a few very fearsome predators. There are 15 species in the order some of which reach very large sizes. The basking shark, for example, can grow to over 10 metres! All species of mackerel shark give birth to live young.

Scientific name: Lamniformes

Rank: Order

Habitats

The following habitats are found across the Mackerel sharks distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.

Behaviours

Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.

Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web

When they lived

Discover the other animals and plants that lived during the following geological time periods.

About

Lamniformes is an order of sharks commonly known as mackerel sharks (which may also refer specifically to the family Lamnidae). It includes some of the most familiar species of sharks, such as the great white shark, as well as more unusual representatives, such as the goblin shark and the megamouth shark.

Members of the order are distinguished by possessing two dorsal fins, an anal fin, five gill slits, eyes without nictitating membranes, and a mouth extending behind the eyes.

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