| Sleeper sharks | |
|---|---|
| |
| Somniosus microcephalus | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Chondrichthyes |
| Subclass: | Elasmobranchii |
| Order: | Squaliformes |
| Family: | Somniosidae D. S. Jordan, 1888 |
| Diversity | |
| 6 genera, 20 species; See text. | |
The Somniosidae are a family of sharks in the order Squaliformes, commonly known as sleeper sharks.[1] The common name "sleeper shark" comes from their slow swimming, low activity level, and perceived non-aggressive nature.[2][3]
- ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Family Somniosidae". FishBase. February 2011 version.
- ^ Erin McCarthy (December 18, 2014). "7 Cool Facts About Greenland Sharks". MentalFloss.com. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
- ^ Bruce A. Wright (December 8, 2000). "Sleeper Sharks Not So Sleepy". Arctic Science Journeys, University of Alaska Fairbanks. Retrieved August 17, 2016.