Sharks, skates, rays, sawfishes, chimaeras and ratfishes

This ancient class contains the cartilaginous fishes that have paired fins, no more than seven pairs of gill slits, and hinged jaws with teeth. Males possess stiff rods called claspers which are used in mating. In sharks, rays and their relatives (Elasmobranchii) the claspers emerge behind the pelvic fins. In Chimaeras (Holocephalii), there is a pelvic clasper, but also frequently a clasper on the forehead.

Chimaeras are generally deep water fishes. This specimen was taken 
from the Monterey Bay, California. Photo by Dr. Robert Sprackland.