
These odd, often translucent cartilaginous fish are typically quite small. The largest, the nursehound ( Scyliorhinus stellaris), can grow up to 1.7 m (5.6 ft) and a weight of at least 10.8 kg (24 lb). The most species-rich shark family, the catsharks, are fairly small-bodied. The largest hammerhead shark is the great hammerhead ( Sphyrna mokarran), which can reach 6.1 m (20 ft) and weigh 500 kg (1,100 lb). falciformis) is another contender for the largest requiem shark at a maximum weight of 350 kg (770 lb) and a maximum length of around 3.5 m (11 ft). leucas) has been estimated to weigh about 575 kg (1,268 lb) in recent specimens that measured over 4 m (13 ft) long. The largest of the infamous "requiem sharks" (in the genus Carcharhinus) seems to be the dusky shark ( C. A female caught in 1957 reportedly measured 7.4 m (24 ft) and weighing 3,110 kg (6,860 lb), although this very outsized shark is not known to have been confirmed. One specimen, a gravid female caught off Australia and measuring only 5.5 m (18 ft) long, weighed an exceptional 1,524 kg (3,360 lb). Specimens have been verified to at least 5.5 m (18 ft) but even larger ones have been reported. The largest species of this order is the widely distributed tiger shark ( Galeocerdo cuvier). Ī large tiger shark ranks as the biggest of ground sharks. This species can range up to 1.28 m (4.2 ft) in length and weigh to 6.2 kg (14 lb).

The largest form is the Goliath hagfish ( Eptatretus goliath). All of the 77 known species have elongated, eel-like bodies but can be distinguished by their downward-facing mouths.

There is only one order and family in this animal class. The hagfish, which are not taxonomically true fish, are among the most primitive extant vertebrates.
