Catsharks (Scyliorhinidae)

This is an extensive family, consisting of 15 genera including 89 species. Catsharks got their name from their cat-like eyes and have only rudimentary developed nicitating eyelids. They possess moderately large spiracles. The first dorsal fin is smaller than the anal fin, and its origin is slightly before or after the origin of the pelvic fins. Catsharks have a world-wide distribution from tropical to cold-temperate waters over the continental shelves to the slopes down to 2000m. Catsharks normally feed on invertebrates and small fishes, and most of them lay eggs (oviparous). The biology of most species is poorly known.

Roughsharks (Oxynotidae)

The family of rough sharks consists of only 4 species. They have a very unique appearance including an unmistakable short body with strong abdominal ridges and very high, sail-like spined dorsal fins. Rough sharks possess a head which is slightly depressed, with large spiracles behind the eyes. They prefer deeper water over the continental shelves or upper slopes between 40 to about 700m depths. Judging from their appearance they are probably sluggish animals. Their mouths are very small with small but with strong teeth, suggesting a diet of small bottom invertebrates and fishes. Rough sharks show an ovoviviparous style of reproduction (aplacental viviparity) with a litter of 7 or 8. All species belong to the same genus, Oxynotus.

Bramble sharks (Echinorhinidae)

Bramble sharks represent a very small family consisting of one genus and 2 species. Both possess cylindrical, stout trunks, without ridges on the abdomen. Two spineless dorsal fins are present. Although bramble sharks resemble ancient sharks they possess 5 pairs of gill slits, where the 5th one is expanded in width. Small spiraculi are present. Both species prefer deeper water over the continental shelves and slopes. Their biology is poorly known, however it is generally accepted that they have a sluggish life style. They have a very large pharynx that is thought to suck in their prey by suddenly expanding their mouths. Both species show an ovoviviparous style of reproduction (aplacental viviparity).