Mackerel sharks are members of the order Lamniformes, a group of predatory cartilaginous fishes within the class Chondrichthyes. This order is characterized by a fusiform body, conical snout, large jaws with well-developed, often serrated teeth, and a heterocercal tail adapted for sustained, high-speed swimming. Lamniformes typically possess two dorsal fins without spines, an anal fin, five gill slits, and relatively large, oil-rich livers that aid buoyancy. Many species exhibit regional endothermy via countercurrent heat exchangers (retia mirabilia), enabling elevated body or muscle temperatures. The order includes ecologically significant apex and mesopredators such as the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) and the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus).
In August 2023, communities across Southern California braced for Tropical Storm Hilary—the first tropical storm to directly impact the region this century. Although the storm weakened from a Category 4 hurricane before making ...
Plants & Animals
Jul 28, 2026
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"Shark Week," which kicks off this week, has captivated audiences for decades with stories of these powerful ocean predators. But the secret behind their extraordinary swimming abilities lies far deeper than their impressive ...
Plants & Animals
Jul 27, 2026
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Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus)—the world's biggest fish—are one of the most charismatic marine species. They connect with the hearts of anyone lucky enough to encounter them, making people deeply curious about their lives ...
Plants & Animals
Jul 25, 2026
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The critically endangered sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) appears to have found a refuge off the northern coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, for mating and reproduction. This was revealed in a study conducted by ...
Plants & Animals
Jul 21, 2026
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Ireland's waters continue to provide an important seasonal refuge for the endangered basking shark, according to a new study.
Plants & Animals
Jul 18, 2026
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In a new study led by University of Delaware researchers Aaron Carlisle and Ed Hale, researchers point to concerns in the international trade of sand tiger sharks, a critically endangered shark species globally, for display ...
Plants & Animals
Jul 9, 2026
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New research reveals the unusual shape, size and pattern of the dermal denticles that cover basking sharks—thought to be unique to this species. Researchers propose that the shape and arrangement of the skin's scales protect ...
Plants & Animals
Jul 9, 2026
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An associated set of gigantic vertebrae belonging to the iconic extinct megalodon, or megatooth shark, that had been missing in action since the 1980s was discovered, providing new information about the shark's lifestyle. ...
Paleontology & Fossils
Jun 28, 2026
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Australia will expand shark-spotting drone coverage year-round at beaches across Sydney and beyond from July 1, authorities said Sunday, following a rise in attacks and sightings.
Ecology
Jun 28, 2026
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Frightened bat rays produce a chemical cue to warn other rays of danger, a well-known anti-predator strategy for bony fish that has not been documented in cartilaginous fish until now. Oregon State University researchers ...
Plants & Animals
Jun 20, 2026
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