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
Bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo)
Bonnethead shark
(Sphyrna tiburo)
Crested hornshark (Heterodontus galeatus)
Crested hornshark
(Heterodontus galeatus)
Leopard catshark (Poroderma pantherinum)
Leopard catshark
(Poroderma pantherinum)
Raja epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium freycineti)
Raja epaulette shark
(Hemiscyllium freycineti)
Southern stingray (Dasyatis americana)
Southern stingray
(Dasyatis americana)
Spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus ocellatus)
Spotted eagle ray
(Aetobatus ocellatus)
Tasselled wobbegong (Eucrossorhinus dasypogon)
Tasselled wobbegong
(Eucrossorhinus dasypogon)
Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)
Tiger shark
(Galeocerdo cuvier)

Our latestUpdates

The magic of Christmas decorations
Friday, December 19th 2025
The magic of Christmas decorations
Discover Christmas decorations in Florida: giant trees, illuminated palm trees, magical light displays and tropical settings to experience the holiday magic under the sun.
The dusky shark
Monday, December 15th 2025
The dusky shark
Discover the dusky shark, one of the world's largest coastal sharks, and learn why this powerful predator is essential to marine ecosystems.
Christmas magic at Disney hotels
Friday, December 12th 2025
Christmas magic at Disney hotels
Experience the magic of Christmas at Disney hotels: enchanting decorations, giant Christmas trees, dazzling lights and a festive holiday atmosphere.
Photo of the Day
Poisson pégase (Eurypegasus draconis)
Poisson pégase
(Eurypegasus draconis)