Dalatiidae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dalatiidae |
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| Kitefin shark, Dalatias licha | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Chondrichthyes |
| Order: | Squaliformes |
| Family: | Dalatiidae J. E. Gray, 1851 |
| Type species | |
| Squalus licha Bonnaterre, 1788
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| Diversity | |
| Eight genera, 13 species, See text. | |
The Dalatiidae are a fascinating family of sharks often called kitefin sharks. These amazing creatures belong to a larger group of sharks known as Squaliformes. While the name "kitefin shark" refers to the whole family, it also specifically names one special member: the Dalatias licha.
These sharks are generally small, usually less than 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) long. You can find them all over the world, often in the deep parts of the ocean. They have bodies shaped a bit like a cigar, with narrow heads and rounded snouts. Many of these sharks have a super cool feature: special organs that glow in the dark! These are called bioluminescent organs.
What are Kitefin Sharks?
The Dalatiidae family is like a big group of closely related sharks. In science, we call these smaller groups "genera" (the plural of genus). There are eight different genera in the kitefin shark family. Interestingly, four of these genera are "monotypic", which means they only contain one known species of shark. This makes them quite unique!
Amazing Features of Kitefin Sharks
Kitefin sharks have adapted to life in the deep ocean. Their streamlined, cigar-shaped bodies help them move easily through the water. Their rounded snouts are also a common feature.
Bioluminescence: Nature's Nightlight
One of the most incredible things about many kitefin sharks is their ability to glow! They have tiny light-producing organs called photophores on their skin. This ability, called bioluminescence, helps them in several ways. It can help them hide from predators by matching the dim light from above, or even attract prey in the dark depths where sunlight doesn't reach. Imagine a shark lighting up the dark ocean!
Different Kinds of Kitefin Sharks
The Dalatiidae family includes several interesting types of sharks. Let's meet a few of them:
The Kitefin Shark: The Namesake
The Dalatias licha, also known simply as the kitefin shark, is the largest member of this family. It can grow up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) long. These sharks are found in many oceans around the world, usually in deep waters.
The Cookiecutter Shark: A Tiny Hunter
Perhaps one of the most famous kitefin sharks is the Isistius brasiliensis, or Cookiecutter shark. This small shark, only about 50 centimeters (20 inches) long, is known for its unique way of feeding. It uses its sharp teeth to take out round, cookie-shaped chunks of flesh from much larger animals, including other sharks, whales, and even submarines! It's a tiny shark with a big bite.
The Pygmy Shark: Small but Mighty
The Euprotomicrus bispinatus, or pygmy shark, is one of the smallest sharks in the world. It's usually less than 25 centimeters (10 inches) long! Despite its tiny size, it's a fierce little predator that lives in the open ocean.
The Pocket Shark: A Mystery in the Deep
The Mollisquama parini and Mollisquama mississippiensis are known as pocket sharks. These rare sharks get their name from a special pocket-like gland behind their pectoral fins. Scientists are still studying what this gland is for, but it might also produce a glowing fluid! The American pocket shark (Mollisquama mississippiensis) was only discovered relatively recently, in 2019, showing there are still many mysteries in the deep sea.
Other Small Sharks
The Squaliolus genus includes other very small sharks, like the spined pygmy shark (Squaliolus laticaudus). These tiny sharks also live in the deep ocean and are rarely seen.
Images for kids
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Mollisquama parini
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Euprotomicrus bispinatus
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See also
- List of fish families
- Deep sea fish
