What is the scientific name of sharks? The shark scientific name is Selachimorpha.
Sharks are ancient, powerful, and deeply significant predators of the ocean. They come in many shapes and sizes, from the great white to the hammerhead, each holding its scientific designation. In this article, we will explore the shark’s scientific name, genus, pronunciation, biological significance, classification, types of sharks, noises, and diet.
What is the Shark Scientific Name?
There is no scientific name for “shark” because the word refers to a diverse assemblage of species. However, all species are classified together under the superorder Selachimorpha in the class Chondrichthyes.
- Scientific Name (Superorder): Selachimorpha
- Pronunciation: /sə-ˈla-kə-ˌmȯr-fə/
Meaning: From Greek selachos (cartilaginous fish) + morpha (form); that is, “shark-shaped cartilaginous fish.”
Biological Classification Of Shark
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish) |
| Subclass | Elasmobranchii |
| Superorder | Selachimorpha |
| Order | Varies by species (e.g., Lamniformes, Carcharhiniformes) |
| Genus | Depends on shark type (see below) |
| Species | Over 500 known shark species |
Meaning and Pronunciation of Shark Scientific Name
How to Pronounce Selachimorpha
Phonetic: /suh-LAK-uh-mor-fuh/
Splitting the syllables:
- suh: soft beginning
- LAK: a stressed syllable
- uh-mor-fuh: flowing ending
Try to pronounce it: suh-LAK-uh-mor-fuh-the very name given to the superorder that contains all sharks.
Meaning of the Scientific Name Shark
Selachimorpha is derived from:
- selachos: meaning cartilaginous fish (like sharks and rays)
- Morpha: meaning form or shape
So, this scientific name quite literally means “fish with shark-like form and cartilage skeleton.”
Scientific Names of Popular Shark Species
Here are a few species of sharks and their respective scientific names and genera.
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Pronunciation (English) |
|---|---|---|
| Great White Shark | Carcharodon carcharias | kar-KA-ro-don kar-KA-ree-us |
| Tiger Shark | Galeocerdo cuvier | GAL-ee-oh-SIR-doh KOO-vee-ay |
| Whale Shark | Rhincodon typus | RIN-koh-don TIE-pus |
| Goblin Shark | Mitsukurina owstoni | MIT-soo-koo-REE-nah OW-stoh-nye |
| Hammerhead Shark | Sphyrna lewini | SFIR-nah LOO-ee-nee |
| Bull Shark | Carcharhinus leucas | kar-ka-RYE-nus LOO-kas |
| Basking Shark | Cetorhinus maximus | set-oh-RYE-nus MAK-sih-mus |
| Blue Shark | Prionace glauca | PRY-oh-nay-see GLAW-ka |
Sharks Habitats, Diet and Sound
What Do Sharks Eat?
Sharks are strictly carnivorous predators, with the diet being species-typical:
- Great White Sharks eat seals, sea lions, fish, and whales
- Tiger Sharks eat fish, sea turtles, birds, and anything else that washes down (which gives rise to their second nickname, garbage eater)
- Whale Sharks eat plankton, krill, and small fish (being a filter feeder)
- Hammerhead Sharks eat stingrays and crabs and have a taste for squid
Where Do Sharks Live?
Sharks inhabit nearly every ocean and occupy a wide range of varied habitats.
- Coastal waters
- Deep-sea
- Open ocean (pelagic zone)
- Coral reefs
- Artic to tropical waters
Each species adapts to its environment with different hunting methods and movement patterns.
Do Sharks Make Sounds?
Sharks do not make vocal sounds as dolphins or whales do. Instead, they
- Communicate through body language, such as arching or rushing from one spot to another.
- Detect electric signals of their prey through their sensory organs (ampullae of Lorenzini).
- Usually rely on sight, smell, and vibration more than sound.
Hence, while sharks may not “talk,” they are very much aware of their surroundings.
