Results for “cartilaginous fishes”

cartilaginous fishes

A fish with a skeleton composed mainly of cartilage; major groups include sharks, rays and skates.

Osteichthyes

Superclass of fishes possessing bony, as opposed to cartilaginous, skeletons. Also known as bony fishes.

Used in 20 profiles

cartilage

Specialised, toughened, elastic, fibrous connective tissue found in various parts of the body and forming the temporary skeleton in embryonic and very young fishes, but mostly lost as the majority of species mature. Retained throughout life in cartilaginous fishes.

Used in 26 profiles

Elasmobranchii

Subclass of Chondrichthyes, also known as cartilaginous fishes, that includes the sharks, skates and rays.

Used in 12 profiles

dermal bone

Bone-type ossifying directly from connective tissue membranes and thus lacking a cartilaginous predecessor. Tend to be more numerous in primitive fish forms.

Used in 5 profiles

jaw

Any of the bony or cartilaginous structures forming the framework of the mouth, usually vertically opposed, often bearing teeth and primarily used for acquisition of food. Often modified in fishes to form complex protrusible or sucking arrangements, for example.

Used in 183 profiles

chondrocranium

Primitive, cartilaginous skeletal structure enclosing the brain and inner ear formed in the embryo and usally becoming ossified at a later stage. Retained as cartilage throughout life in some fishes.