Galean sharks are divided into four orders: the Heterodontiformes, Orectolobiformes, Lamniformes, and Carcharhiniformes.

The extinct, enigmatic Synechodontiformes are presently placed by some authors in the galeomorphs, but their taxonomic position still remains uncertain.

Sometimes the term "carpet shark" is used interchangeably with wobbegong, which are a subgroup of the order.

Carpet sharks have two dorsal fins, without spines, and a small mouth that is forward of the eyes.

The families in the order Carcharhiniformes are expected to be revised; recent DNA studies show that some of the traditional groups are not monophyletic.