Return to the Chondrichthyes Index
Class
Chondrichthyes
Range
They are found along the continental shelves in all oceans throughout the world.
Habitat
They live in coastal waters around islands, along the continental shelves and sometimes checking out bays and harbors. They have been known to travel down to more than 4,000 feet.
Body Traits
They can reach more than 20 feet long and weigh up to 2 tons (4,000 pounds). They are dark on top and white underneath. They have a large cone-shaped head with many rows of razor sharp teeth.
Habits
They travel alone. They are a fierce predator. They use their great sense of smell and eyesight to locate prey, but can also sense electrical currents in the water that are released by muscles when an animal is swimming.
Diet
They eat fish, sharks, seals and porpoises and even sea turtles.
Reproduction
The eggs hatch inside the female so young are born live (viviparous). They can have more than a dozen young 18 inches long.
Citing This Reference
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All text on Exploring Nature was written by author, Sheri Amsel
Here is an example of citing this page:
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