Sharks & Rays

Who are they?

The sharks, chimeras, skates and rays evolved more than 400 million years ago. Today there are 182 shark species and 125 ray species in Australian waters, the greatest biodiversity of any continental area.

Characteristics

• Skeleton made of cartilage

• No swim bladder

• 5-7 gill slits

• Renewable teeth

• Skin covered in small teeth called denticles

• Ability to sense electric fields