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
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
Discover sharks and rays
Our latestUpdates

The smooth trunkfishDiscover the smooth trunkfish (Rhinesomus triqueter), a reef-dwelling fish from the tropical western Atlantic. Its angular body, protected by a bony carapace, features a dark coloration with white spots and distinctive honeycomb patterns.Read more

A tense finish in the CaribbeanA look back at the 2026 Route du Rhum finish: Tom Laperche wins the Ultim class as the leading boats arrive and close battles continue across the other fleets.Read more

Major movesThe 2026 Route du Rhum enters a decisive phase as Tom Laperche extends his lead in the Ultim class, Armel Le Cléac'h capsizes, and Class40 skippers prepare to face a powerful weather front.Read more
Photo of the Day

Blennie clown d'Axelrod
(Ecsenius axelrodi)
(Ecsenius axelrodi)








