MORE SKATES AND RAYS
Mar 5 2010 - 3:29pm
Manta rays are related to sharks, but have quite a different reputation among humans. They are often called the gentle giants of the sea because of their curious nature and graceful movements. This...
Jan 26 2010 - 10:45am
A skate is among the many bycatch species caught in this shrimp trawl net. More about sustainable seafood can be found in our sustainable seafood featured story .
Feb 13 2013 - 9:55am
In November 2012, Australia began protecting a huge swath of its ocean from overfishing and oil exploration, creating the largest network of marine reserves in the world at a grand total of 1.2...
Dec 23 2010 - 1:52pm
“Manta rays sometimes approach divers; an up-close encounter with such a huge, peaceful animal is unforgettable!” -- Nature's Best photographer, Deborah Smrekar. See more beautiful ocean photos in...
Nov 18 2010 - 5:34pm
Bycatch, or accidentally caught species, can make up a very high percentage of the haul in shrimp trawl nets. However, some of these “trash” species are now being used, rather than discarded, and new...
May 16 2012 - 4:35pm
How do we know where ocean animals swim day and night? Scientists are getting snapshots into the daily lives of whales , sharks , and even fish by tagging the animals to track their movements. You’ve...
Jan 26 2010 - 10:45am
This X-ray shows the mouth on the underside of a white-rimmed stingray ( Himantura signifer ) . The ray feeds without seeing its prey. Its eyes are on the top of its body, while its mouth is on the...
May 14 2013 - 9:19am
An X-ray image of a Monterey skate ( Raja montereyensis ) reveals a spine that extends like a tail out from the pelvic fin. The skeletons of skates, rays, chimaeras, and sharks are made of cartilage...
Dec 17 2009 - 6:00pm
Scientists in the Division of Fishes at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History use X-ray imaging to study the complex bone structure and diversity of fish. This image gallery showcases...
