What are sharks? Sharks are a group of cartilaginous fish that have a distinctive body shape, with five to seven gill slits on the sides of their heads and a skeleton made of cartilage instead of bone. There are over 500 different species of sharks that vary greatly in size, color, and behavior.

Synonyms: australis, cetacea, dugung, hemprichii, indicus, lottum, tabernaculi. Chromosome number: 2n = 50. Measurements; 2.4 (2.2–3.31) m; n = 18 WT: 250–570 kg Description Rotund cetacean-like body with flippers and flukes that resemble those of a dolphin without a dorsal fin. Head resembles that of a walrus without the long tusks. Head distinctive, with mouth opening ventrally beneath the broad, flat muzzle.