Carcharhiniformes: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The ground sharks, order Carcharhiniformes, are the largest order of sharks, with over 270 species, and includes a number of common types, such as the blue shark, and sandbar shark. They are also called "whaler sharks".

Members of the orders are characterized by the presence of a nictitating membrane over the eye, two dorsal fins, an anal fin, and five gill slits.

The families of the carcharhiniforms are expected to be revised; recent DNA studies show that some of the traditional groups are not monophyletic.