Sealife guideSharks and rays: the secret lives of elasmobranchsMarine vertebrates

Last updated on 08/22/2025 at 10:42 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
Big skate (Raja binoculata)
Big skate
(Raja binoculata)
Fantail stingray (Pastinachus sephen)
Fantail stingray
(Pastinachus sephen)
Giant manta (Mobula birostris)
Giant manta
(Mobula birostris)
Ocellated eagle ray (Aetobatus ocellatus)
Ocellated eagle ray
(Aetobatus ocellatus)
Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni)
Port Jackson shark
(Heterodontus portusjacksoni)
Raja epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium freycineti)
Raja epaulette shark
(Hemiscyllium freycineti)
Silvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus)
Silvertip shark
(Carcharhinus albimarginatus)
Yellow stingray (Urobatis jamaicensis)
Yellow stingray
(Urobatis jamaicensis)

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Grand cachalot (Physeter macrocephalus)
Grand cachalot
(Physeter macrocephalus)