fatsharks

Fatsharks are a family of sharks belonging to the order Lamniformes. This order also includes well-known species like the great white shark and the mako shark. Fatsharks are characterized by their stout, heavy bodies and their relatively short snouts. They are typically dark in coloration on their dorsal side and lighter on their ventral side, a common countershading pattern that aids in camouflage.

There are two recognized species within the Fatshark genus, *Lamna*: the porbeagle (Lamna nasus) and the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus). However, scientific classification can sometimes be fluid, and ongoing research may lead to revisions. These sharks are found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, often inhabiting continental shelves and open ocean environments.

Fatsharks are predatory fish, with their diet primarily consisting of smaller fish, squid, and sometimes seabirds. They are known for their speed and agility, particularly the shortfin mako, which is considered one of the fastest sharks in the ocean. Reproduction in fatsharks is ovoviviparous, meaning the eggs hatch inside the mother's body, and the pups are born live.

These sharks play an important role in marine ecosystems as apex predators, helping to regulate populations of their prey. However, some species of fatshark are subject to fishing pressure and conservation concerns due to their slow growth rates and late maturity.