Echinorhinus

Echinorhinus is the only extant genus in the family Echinorhinidae, either a family within the large order Squaliformes or their own monotypic order Echinorhiniformes. The two extant species possess enlarged denticles forming prominent spines or thorns on their skin.

==Taxonomy== Echinorhinidae are traditionally classified in the order Squaliformes, together with dogfish, kitefin and gulper sharks. However, a phylogenetic analysis based on gene capture data and mitochondrial data suggests that they are not squaliform sharks, but may be more likely to be appropriately classed in their own group, as a sister group to angel sharks and sawsharks. Phylogenetic placement of Echinorhinidae has been ambiguous in morphological and molecular studies, either being included within Squaliformes, considered sister to Squaliformes, or placed in a separate group with sawsharks (Pristiophoriformes) or angel sharks (Squatiniformes). For this reason they are sometimes given their own order, Echinorhiniformes.