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

Bonnethead shark
(Sphyrna tiburo)
(Sphyrna tiburo)

Crested hornshark
(Heterodontus galeatus)
(Heterodontus galeatus)

Leopard catshark
(Poroderma pantherinum)
(Poroderma pantherinum)

Raja epaulette shark
(Hemiscyllium freycineti)
(Hemiscyllium freycineti)

Southern stingray
(Dasyatis americana)
(Dasyatis americana)

Spotted eagle ray
(Aetobatus ocellatus)
(Aetobatus ocellatus)

Tasselled wobbegong
(Eucrossorhinus dasypogon)
(Eucrossorhinus dasypogon)

Tiger shark
(Galeocerdo cuvier)
(Galeocerdo cuvier)
Our latestUpdates

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.

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.

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)
(Eurypegasus draconis)
