All sharks are carnivores. Most feed on relatively large prey such as mammals, fish, seabirds, and various other animals. Some larger species, such as the whale shark, feed on small planktonic aniamls like zooplankton. Sharks can vary greatly in size from 6-8 inches all the way to 46 feet in length! Sharks usually have streamlined bodies and are great swimmers. Additionally, most species have several rows of teeth that are constantly being replaced as they fall out. Sharks can be found in all oceans.
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Skates and Rays both have flattened bodies, enlarged pectoral fins that are attached to the head, reduced dorsal fins, and eyes on top of their head. Additionally, these organisms have pavement-like teeth that are used for crushing prey like invertebrates. They both have evolved different forms of defense such as electric organs to stun prey/predators.
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Ratfish is the common name for Chimaera. They have large pointed heads and long, slender tails. Unlike other fish, the Ratfish takes water in through the nostrils instead of the mouth. In place of teeth, they have flat plates that are used to crush their prey. Prey includes crustaceans, molluscs, and fish. They are usually bottom dwellers that live in depths ranging from the shallows to as far down as 8,400 feet or deeper.
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