Giant devilrays are rays that have long wing-like fins enabling them to swim as well as leap from the ocean. As part of the Mobula ray genus, these rays are known for leaping from the water. Giant devilrays migrate together in relatively small groups. Giant devilrays are filter feeders, catching food on their branchial filter plates … Read more

Blue spotted ribbontail rays are named for the striking blue spots covering their body. They frequent the coral reefs and sandy flats in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, keeping close to the seafloor where they feed. These foragers dig in the sand, hunting shallow sand-dwelling animals like shrimp and crabs. Unlike most rays, blue spotted ribbontail rays … Read more

The whitetip reef shark is a slim, medium-sized shark characterized by its white-tipped dorsal and tail fins that give this species its name. Whitetip reef sharks are known for using their slender bodies to maneuver through caves and crevices throughout their coral reef habitats in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.1 The whitetip reef shark is … Read more

The blacktip shark is a widespread, medium-sized shark characterized by its black-tipped pectoral, dorsal and tail fins that give this species its name. It is often mistaken for the spinner shark because both species have torpedo-shaped bodies and are known for spinning out of the water while feeding. Blacktip sharks live in coastal waters off … Read more

The sand tiger shark, also known as the gray nurse shark, is a slow-moving coastal predator distinguished by its flattened, conical snout and spiked, protruding teeth similar to the tiger shark. It has small eyes and light brown skin that resembles sand, helping the shark blend into its surroundings when looked at from above.1 The … Read more

The smooth hammerhead shark is one of nine species of hammerhead sharks. It is distinguished from other hammerheads by its rounded head (cephalofoil) that’s free of notches seen on other species, such as the scalloped hammerhead shark and the great hammerhead shark. These rounded heads give smooth hammerhead sharks superior depth perception and a 360-degree … Read more

The longfin mako shark is named for its particularly long pectoral fins that are as long as or longer than its head (or 23 to 31 percent of its total body length). Like its close relative the shortfin mako shark, the longfin mako shark is characterized by its large eyes and long, blade-like teeth that … Read more

The porbeagle shark is a wide-ranging shark that’s recognized by its conical snout, white underbelly and dark gray top. Scholars have proposed that the porbeagle shark’s name originates from the combination of “porpoise” and “beagle” – referencing the shark’s rounded body and dogged hunting methods.1 Porbeagle sharks are very active and have muscular bodies, giving … Read more

The great hammerhead shark is the largest of all hammerhead species, reaching a maximum known length of 20 feet (6.1 m) and weight of 991 pounds (450 kg). The species is distinguished from other hammerheads by its nearly straight hammer-shaped head (cephalofoil) that has a prominent indentation in the middle. Great hammerhead sharks are apex … Read more

Recognizable by the distinct yellow hue of its skin, the lemon shark occupies coral keys and mangrove forests along the Atlantic Ocean and parts of the Pacific. This shark’s stocky build and other physical features make it a powerful predator underwater, but it is also a common target of commercial fishers looking to sell and … Read more