Odontaspididae

Odontaspididae is a family of sand shark rays belonging to the order Lamniformes. This family currently contains three extant genera: Carcharias, Odontaspis, and Negaprion. These sharks are characterized by their long, pointed snouts, large mouths, and prominent, protruding teeth. The family name itself, Odontaspididae, derives from the Greek words "odous" meaning tooth and "aspis" meaning shield, referring to the distinctive dentition of these species.

Species within the Odontaspididae family are typically found in tropical and warm temperate waters around the world, inhabiting both coastal and offshore areas. They are often associated with sandy or muddy bottoms, though some species can be found over coral reefs. Odontaspidids are generally considered to be slow-moving sharks, and their diet consists mainly of fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. They are ovoviviparous, meaning that the eggs hatch inside the mother's body, and the young are born live. While some species can grow to be quite large, none are generally considered dangerous to humans, though caution is always advised when encountering any wild animal. The family has a fossil record extending back to the Cretaceous period, indicating a long evolutionary history.