Tubarão

Descrição

Selachimorpha, commonly known as sharks, are a superorder of cartilaginous fish characterized by a cartilaginous skeleton, five to seven gill slits on the sides of the head, and pectoral fins that are not fused to the head. They possess a highly developed sense of smell, electroreception (ampullae of Lorenzini), and a lateral line system, making them apex predators in most marine ecosystems. Their dentition is continuously replaced throughout their lives.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

torpedo

Coloração

Highly variable; typically countershaded with darker dorsal surfaces (blues, grays, browns) and lighter ventral surfaces (white, cream) for camouflage. Some species have distinctive patterns or markings.

Tipo de escama

placoid

Posição da boca

inferior

Características distintivas

Cartilaginous skeleton, Multiple gill slits (5-7 pairs), Placoid scales (dermal denticles), Heterocercal caudal fin (upper lobe typically longer than lower), Continuously replaced teeth, Ampullae of Lorenzini (electroreceptors)

Nadadeira dorsal

Typically two dorsal fins; the first is usually larger and more triangular, the second smaller. Some species have a dorsal spine.

Nadadeira caudal

Heterocercal, with the vertebral column extending into the longer upper lobe, providing powerful thrust.

Nadadeira peitoral

Large, rigid, and typically triangular or falcate, providing lift and steering.

Nadadeiras características

Pelvic fins are present; males possess paired claspers, modified pelvic fins used for internal fertilization.

Dicas de identificação

Habitat

Tipo de água

saltwater

Profundidade

From shallow coastal waters (e.g., nurse sharks) to abyssal depths (e.g., goblin sharks, Greenland sharks). Pelagic species inhabit open ocean, while benthic species live near the seafloor.

Ambiente

Diverse marine environments including coral reefs, kelp forests, estuaries, open ocean, continental shelves, and deep-sea trenches. Some species (e.g., bull shark) can tolerate brackish and even freshwater.

Distribuição geográfica

Global distribution, found in all oceans from polar to tropical regions.

Informações sobre aquário

• Nível de cuidado: expert
• Temperamento: aggressive
• Alimentação: carnivore
• Tamanho mínimo do aquário: Not applicable for most species; requires specialized public aquaria or oceanariums due to immense size and specific environmental needs.
• Temperatura: Varies greatly by species (e.g., 10-25°C for temperate species, 20-30°C for tropical species)
• Nível de pH: 8.0-8.4
• Dureza da água: High (marine salinity)
• Compatibilidade: Generally solitary or with conspecifics of similar size and temperament in very large, specialized enclosures. Not compatible with most other fish species.
• Requisitos especiais: Requires extremely large, specialized facilities with advanced life support systems, constant water quality monitoring, and a highly specialized diet. Not suitable for home aquaria.

Informações no ambiente natural

• Estado de conservação: extinct
• Sazonalidade: Reproduction and migration patterns vary widely by species and geographic location. Some species exhibit seasonal aggregations for breeding or feeding.
• Preço de mercado: Varies significantly by species and product (e.g., fins, meat, liver oil, cartilage). Shark fin soup commands high prices.
• Importância comercial: high
• Sabor: Varies by species; often described as firm, meaty, and sometimes with a slightly ammoniated flavor if not properly handled.
• Textura: Firm, flaky, or steak-like.
• Métodos de preparo: Grilled, Fried, Baked, Smoked, Stewed
• Valor nutricional: Good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins, but can accumulate high levels of mercury and other heavy metals, especially larger, longer-lived species.

Fatos principais

Espécies similares

Classificação científica

Reino

Animalia

Filo

Chordata

Classe

Chondrichthyes

Ordem

Selachimorpha

Família

Varies (e.g., Carcharhinidae, Lamnidae, Squalidae)

Gênero

Varies (e.g., Carcharodon, Galeocerdo, Sphyrna)

Espécie

Varies (e.g., Carcharodon carcharias, Galeocerdo cuvier, Sphyrna mokarran)

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