Animal Encyclopedia Category: Sharks & Rays
Basking shark
Basking sharks are the second largest fish in the world, coming second only to whale sharks. Reaching lengths of 12 metres, basking sharks can give an intimidating impression. They are harmless to humans though because, much like whale sharks, they are filter feeders. These sharks get their name from their appearance of ‘basking’ at the sea … Read more
Spiny Dogfish
The spiny dogfish may go by many names, including piked dogfish, rock salmon and spiky dog, but only one truly represents this shark’s unique defense strategy. To defend itself, the spiny dogfish may inject venom into predators from the two spines at the base of each dorsal fin. Dogfish are named because fishers have observed … Read more
Great White Shark
Great white sharks are an apex predator in the ocean best known for their power, speed and strength. They are the largest predatory fish in the world and are also the only shark that regularly feeds on marine mammals, often hunting whales, seals and sea lions. Their only known predators are certain populations of orcas … Read more
Greenland Shark
Greenland sharks are one of the world’s largest sharks and the largest fish found in the eastern Arctic Ocean! The largest one ever recorded was 6.4 metres long and weighed a whopping 1,023 kilograms! They’re usually found in cold, deep waters, sometimes at depths greater than 1,500 metres and are known to live an incredibly … Read more
Thorny Skate
Skates may look similar to flatfish, but they are actually much more closely related to sharks. Like sharks, a skate’s skeleton is made up of cartilage, which is softer and more flexible than bone. Skates commonly have small spines or modified scales on their bodies, but the thorny skate is aptly named because it is … Read more
Blue Shark
Blue sharks get their name from their beautiful blue colour. They have distinct indigo blue on their backs, vibrant sapphire blue along their sides and white underbellies. This species is one of the most widespread and easily recognizable sharks. Because of their inquisitive nature and need to gently investigate everything and anything that crosses their … Read more