What is the difference between a shark and a ray?

Sharks and rays are both cartilaginous fishes that belong to the same class, Chondrichthyes. They share many similarities, but also have some key differences. Here are some of the main differences between sharks and rays:

• Body shape: Sharks have a streamlined body shape, while rays have a flat, disc-like body shape.
• Fin shape: Sharks have a dorsal fin that is stiff and triangular, while rays have a dorsal fin that is more flexible and shaped like a triangle or crescent.
• Gill slits: Sharks have gill slits on the sides of their head, while rays have gill slits on their underside.
• Teeth: Sharks have several rows of sharp teeth, while rays have flattened teeth that they use to crush prey.

These differences in body shape and structure reflect the different lifestyles and behaviors of sharks and rays. Sharks are typically fast-moving predators that hunt actively, while rays are generally slower-moving and spend more time on the ocean floor, using their flattened bodies to camouflage themselves and hide from predators.