Definition

Noun: * Family Triakidae: A taxonomic family of small sharks characterized by having smooth skin (dermal denticles) and lacking spines on their dorsal fins. They are commonly known as houndsharks.

Usage

• The word "family Triakidae" is used in scientific and zoological contexts to classify and refer to this specific group of elasmobranch fish.
• It is always treated as a singular noun, even though it refers to a group.
• Example: The family Triakidae includes several species found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide.

Examples

• Biologists are studying the reproductive habits of sharks within the family Triakidae.
• The leopard shark () is a well-known member of the family Triakidae.

Advanced Usage

• In formal taxonomy, the family name is often italicized: .
• The common name for members of this family is "houndsharks" or "smooth-hounds."

Variants and Related Words

• Triakid (noun/adjective): A less common term for a member of the family Triakidae, or pertaining to it.
  • Example: The triakid sharks were observed in the coastal waters.
• Houndshark (noun): The common name for sharks in this family.
• Smooth-hound (noun): Another common name for many species in this family.

Synonyms

• Houndsharks
• Smooth-hounds

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Elasmobranch: The subclass that includes sharks, rays, and skates.
• Carcharhiniformes: The order to which the family Triakidae belongs.
• Dorsal fin: The fin on the back of a fish; the lack of spines on these fins is a defining feature.
• Dermal denticles: The tooth-like scales that give shark skin its smooth, sandpaper-like texture.

Noun

1. small sharks with smooth skins and lacking spines on their dorsal fins