Sharks Chimaeras Skates and Rays: Chondrichthyes - Physical Characteristics

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Chimaeras (kye-MIHR-uhs), sharks, and skates and rays are the class of fishes whose skeleton is made of cartilage (KAR-teh-lej), a tough but flexible supporting tissue. Chimaeras have large heads and long bodies that taper to a whiplike tail. The skin is smooth and rubbery and has no scales. Sharks and skates and rays have gills that open to the outside, have no swim bladder, and have a sandpaper-like skin covering rather than scales. Sharks range in size from tiny to huge. Skates and rays are flat from top to bottom and have massive pectoral (PECK-ter-uhl) fins and long, sometimes whiplike tails.