Class Chondrichthyes

Chondrichthyes is the class of cartilaginous fishes—ectothermic vertebrates adapted to aquatic life with gills, fins, and usually scales, and having a skeletal structure (endoskeleton) composed primarily of cartilage.

In this class we find sharks, rays, skates, and a few uncommon species such as sawfishes and a variety of chimaeras.

National Aquarium in Baltimore

National Aquarium in Baltimore

Sawfish. NOAA.

The Rat Fish, a chimaera. Bernd Ueberschaer. Photo archived at Fishbase (www.fishbase.org)