Sealife guideThe sea vertebratesThe taxonomy of marine species

Explore the taxonomy of the sea vertebrates including the cetaceans like the whales or the dolphins, the sea birds, the fish, the sharks and the sea turtles !

The order Heterodontiformes includes sharks known for their distinctive blunt heads and unique teeth, which allow them to crush hard-shelled prey such as sea urchins and mollusks.

Zebra bullhead shark
(Heterodontus zebra)

The order Hexanchiformes includes sharks easily recognized by their six or seven gill slits, their ancient lineage, and their deep-sea habitats.

Frilled shark
(Chlamydoselachus anguineus)

Broadnose sevengill shark
(Notorynchus cepedianus)

The order Lamniformes includes sharks known for their large size and powerful swimming, including iconic species such as the great white shark and the mako shark.

Pelagic thresher shark
(Alopias pelagicus)

Basking Shark
(Cetorhinus maximus)

Great white shark
(Carcharodon carcharias)

Longfin mako
(Isurus paucus)

Short fin mako
(Isurus oxyrinchus)

Sand tiger shark
(Carcharias taurus)

The order Orectolobiformes includes sharks called carpet sharks, often seen resting on the sea floor or camouflaged among reefs, and also includes the largest shark species in the world: the whale shark.

Blind shark
(Brachaelurus waddi)

Nurse shark
(Ginglymostoma cirratum)

Tawny nurse shark
(Nebrius ferrugineus)

Brownbanded bamboo shark
(Chiloscyllium punctatum)

Raja epaulette shark
(Hemiscyllium freycineti)

Japanese wobbegong
(Orectolobus japonicus)

Ornate wobbegong
(Orectolobus ornatus)

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Monday, March 2nd 2026

The blueface angelfish

The blueface angelfish is a very colorful fish of the tropical coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, recognizable by its bright blue head and its bluish body finely reticulated with yellow.

Wednesday, February 18th 2026

The Atlantic tarpon

The Atlantic tarpon is a large coastal fish that can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh over 330 pounds, with a silvery body covered in large, reflective scales. Known as the Silver King, it is famous for its spectacular leaps and fierce fight when hooked by sport fishermen.

Friday, January 30th 2026

The dugong

Discover the dugong, a gentle “sea cow” of tropical waters. Learn about its habitat, diet, reproduction, morphology, and the threats facing this unique marine mammal.

Photo of the Day

Murène tigre
(Enchelycore anatina)