selache, tselachus

[Gr. selachos =one of a tribe of cartilaginous fishes. Aristotle derives the name from sel as brightne , because most of these fishes are phosphorescent.] 1. Ichthy .: A family of Lamnide, with one species, Selache maxima , the Basking-shark (q. v.). Second dorsal and anal very small; gill-openings extremely wide; teeth very small, numerous, conical; snout short, but longer and more pointed in young specimens than in adults, which has led to individuals of different ages being considered as constituting distinct species. 2. Palæont.: Gill-rakers of this shark have been found in the Antwerp Crag. ( Günther .)