Sealife guideSharks and rays: the secret lives of elasmobranchsMarine vertebrates

Last updated on 08/14/2025 at 05:47 PM
Elasmobranchs, such as sharks and rays, are very ancient cartilaginous fish. Their light and flexible skeletons make them highly agile in the water and their senses are remarkably developed: some can detect vibrations or electrical fields from a distance.
These animals play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by regulating prey populations and maintaining the balance of reefs and seagrass beds. Despite their often fearsome reputation, most elasmobranchs pose no danger to humans and are a testament to the richness of marine biodiversity.
The manta ray (Mobula birostris) is a cartilaginous fish
The manta ray (Mobula birostris) is a cartilaginous fish
Elasmobranchs are a subclass of cartilaginous fish, scientifically known as Chondrichthyes and include both pelagic and benthic species. Among them is the largest fish in the world, the whale shark, reaching up to 66 feet in length !
The whale shark is the largest fish at the surface of the globe
The whale shark is the largest fish at the surface of the globe
Discover sharks and rays
Blue spotted stingray (Neotrygon kuhlii)
Blue spotted stingray
(Neotrygon kuhlii)
Broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus)
Broadnose sevengill shark
(Notorynchus cepedianus)
Dark shyshark (Haploblepharus pictus)
Dark shyshark
(Haploblepharus pictus)
Japanese wobbegong (Orectolobus japonicus)
Japanese wobbegong
(Orectolobus japonicus)
Sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus)
Sandbar shark
(Carcharhinus plumbeus)
Scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini)
Scalloped hammerhead
(Sphyrna lewini)
Whale shark (Rhincodon typus)
Whale shark
(Rhincodon typus)
Zebra bullhead shark (Heterodontus zebra)
Zebra bullhead shark
(Heterodontus zebra)

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