Batoids

Batomorphi is a division of cartilaginous fishes, commonly known as rays; this taxon is sometimes considered as the superorderBatoidea, but the 5th edition of Fishes of the World classifies it as the division Batomorphi. Batomorphi, along with the shark division Selachii, both compose the subclass Elasmobranchii. Rays are the most speciose of cartilaginous fishes groups, with well over 600 species in 26 families. Rays are distinguished by their flattened bodies, enlarged pectoral fins that are fused to the head, and gill slits that are placed on their ventral surfaces. DescriptionAnatomyLike sharks, Batomorphs are cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes), meaning they have a boneless skeleton made of a tough, elastic cartilage. Most batomorphs are dorsoventrally flattened, with a mantle-like body, though the guitarfishes and sawfishes are somewhat less flattened, while most sharks have a spindle-shaped body. Many species of batomorph have developed their pectoral fins into broad flat appendages often referred to as the wings. The anal fin is absent. The eyes and spiracles are located on top of the head. Bottom-dwelling batomorphs breathe by taking water in through the spiracles, rather