Sharks and Rays
Depending on the species, they feed on a wide range of marine organisms including other sharks, fish, squid, crabs, shrimps and even seals, while some species feed on phytoplankton and zooplankton.
The Greek Red List of Endangered Speciesk (2009), includes 63 species of which 50 are classified as "Not Evaluated", while all the rest are classified as endangered.
Sharks and rays have had a constant presence on earth for millions of years, playing a key role in marine food webs.
External features
Both sharks and rays belong to the class of Chondrichthyes. Chondrichthyes are fish that have cartilaginous vertebrae, jaws and paired fins, scales and a two-chambered heart.
Sharks have an elongated body with a large head and a strong tail, while rays have a spindle-shaped, flattened body, with fins that are fused to the head.
Habitat
The Mediterranean Sea, despite its small size, is one of the most important areas for sharks and rays. In Greece alone, 67 species have been recorded.
Fun Fact!
Sharks do not have a gas-filled swim bladder, so they have to swim constantly to maintain a certain depth.