X-Ray Image of a Monterey Skate

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, rather than bone. Scientists in the Division of Fishes at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History use X-ray images, like the one shown, to study the complex bone structure and diversity of fish without having to dissect or damage the specimen.

The National Museum of Natural History is currently exhibiting "X-Ray Vision: Fish Inside Out," a temporary exhibit that showcases fish evolution and diversity through 40 black and white X-ray images prepared for research purposes. Experience the exhibit at the Museum until August 5, 2012 or online on the Encyclopedia of Life.

To learn more about cartilaginous fishes see the Ocean Portal's Great White Shark featured story.

Tags: 
Photography, Anatomy, Smithsonian exhibits, Skates and rays
Credit: © Sandra Raredon / Smithsonian Institution

Comments

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

wonder of nature

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

Beautiful image! I must say though that I expected information on the rock skate when I went to this page, so not finding any different information than on the previous page was disappointing. Are there any plans to add information to this page?

Thanks for your comment. There aren't any immediate plans to add more information about rays or x-ray research, but you can learn more about cartilaginous fishes in general in the shark diversity section. It's helpful to know that there is interest in more information about rays, too.

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