Common name: Sharks and Rays
Elasmobranchii, commonly known as sharks and rays, is a fascinating class of cartilaginous fish. This group includes some of the ocean's most iconic and ancient creatures, characterized by their cartilaginous skeletons, which are lighter and more flexible than the bony skeletons of other fish. Elasmobranchs have been around for hundreds of millions of years, with their historical lineage tracing back to the Devonian period.
Sharks and rays are known for their unique adaptations to marine environments. Sharks, for example, possess keen senses, including the ability to detect electrical fields generated by other organisms, a trait that aids them in hunting. They also have a highly developed sense of smell and acute vision adapted to low-light conditions. Rays, on the other hand, are often benthic, living on the ocean floor. They have flattened bodies and enlarged pectoral fins that resemble wings, which they use to glide through the water or bury themselves in sand.
For hobbyists, keeping elasmobranchs in home aquariums can be challenging due to their size and specific care requirements. They require large tanks with ample swimming space, pristine water conditions, and a diet that mimics their natural feeding habits. Some species, like the smaller bamboo sharks and certain types of rays, are more suitable for home aquariums, provided these conditions are met. It's important to research each species' needs thoroughly before considering them as pets.
In addition to their ecological importance, elasmobranchs are also subjects of scientific interest due to their unique physiology and history. Their cartilaginous structure and reproductive strategies, such as live birth in some species, offer insights into the history of vertebrate biology. Conservation efforts are crucial for many elasmobranch species, as they face threats from overfishing and habitat destruction, highlighting the need for responsible aquarium practices and awareness.
- Common name: Australian Marbled CatsharkScientific name: Atelomycterus macleayi
Common name: Coral CatsharkScientific name: Atelomycterus marmoratus
Common name: Oceanic Whitetip SharkScientific name: Carcharhinus longimanus
Common name: Sand Tiger SharkScientific name: Carcharias taurus- Common name: Grey Bamboo SharkScientific name: Chiloscyllium griseum
Common name: Whitespotted Bamboo SharkScientific name: Chiloscyllium plagiosum
Common name: Brownbanded Bamboo SharkScientific name: Chiloscyllium punctatum- Common name: stingareeScientific name: Dasyatis americana
Common name: Tasselled WobbegongScientific name: Eucrossorhinus dasypogon
Common name: Nurse SharkScientific name: Ginglymostoma cirratum
Common name: Epaulette SharkScientific name: Hemiscyllium ocellatum- Common name: Hooded CarpetsharkScientific name: Hemiscyllium strahani
- Common name: Speckled CarpetsharkScientific name: Hemiscyllium trispeculare
Common name: Horn SharkScientific name: Heterodontus francisci
Common name: Japanese Bullhead SharkScientific name: Heterodontus japonicus
Common name: Port Jackson SharkScientific name: Heterodontus portusjacksoni
Common name: Tawny Nurse SharkScientific name: Nebrius ferrugineus
Common name: Lemon SharkScientific name: Negaprion brevirostris- Common name: Bluespotted stingrayScientific name: Neotrygon kuhlii
Common name: Spotted WobbegongScientific name: Orectolobus maculatus
Common name: Ornate WobbegongScientific name: Orectolobus ornatus
Common name: Whale SharkScientific name: Rhincodon typus
Common name: Scalloped HammerheadScientific name: Sphyrna lewini
Common name: Zebra SharkScientific name: Stegostoma fasciatum- Common name: Bluespotted Ribbontail RayScientific name: Taeniura lymma
- Common name: Blotched fantail rayScientific name: Taeniurops meyeni
Common name: Whitetip Reef SharkScientific name: Triaenodon obesus
Common name: Leopard SharkScientific name: Triakis semifasciata- Common name: Yellow stingrayScientific name: Urobatis jamaicensis
- Common name: Mottled StingrayScientific name: Urogymnus asperrimus