About All Sharks SHARK FAMILIES: There are more then 350 know species of sharks today, which can all be placed under 8 scientific orders that contain 30 families. They are placed into these categories by their shared characteristics, this is called taxonomy. The more closeley related species are placed in another family in the order. SQUAINIFORMES: The angel shark as they are commonly known are characterized by their RAY like flattened bodies. This order has one family which is called SQUATINDAE that contains about 13 species. The maximum size that can be attained by any one of these species is 4-6 feet in length. PRISTIOPHORIFORMES: These shark are known as the saw shark.