Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Chondrichthyes

Chondrichthyes

9.9
A group of fish with skeletons made of cartilage, like sharks and rays
  • noun
  • /kɒnˈdrɪkθiːz/
  • Specialized
translation icon : condrictios
  • Many species within the Chondrichthyes are threatened by overfishing and habitat loss.

Examples

  • The Chondrichthyes class includes species like sharks and rays.

  • Unlike bony fish, Chondrichthyes have skeletons made of cartilage, making them lighter and more flexible.

  • Sharks and rays, both members of the Chondrichthyes class, have unique adaptations for survival.

  • Did you know that Chondrichthyes have been around for over 400 million years?

  • The class Chondrichthyes contains approximately 850 species of skates, rays, and sharks.

  • Many marine biologists study the class Chondrichthyes to understand their unique adaptations.

  • Examples of Chondrichthyes include species such as hammerhead sharks and manta rays.

Synonyms

Selachii
vsChondrichthyes
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of fish like sharks, rays, and skates with skeletons made of cartilage

is the formal class rank that specifically covers those cartilaginous species
Elasmobranchii
vsChondrichthyes
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of fish with skeletons made of cartilage, like sharks and rays

is the broader class that includes this subclass and other related groups
cartilaginous fish
vsChondrichthyes
  • Specialized
6.8

A fish whose skeleton is made of soft cartilage not bone

is the category or class that encompasses all such animals rather than one

Surface Forms

Chondrichthyes singular
Chondrichthyes plural

Etymology

Chondrichthyes comes from old Greek parts: chondr- meaning 'cartilage' and -ichthyes meaning 'fishes'. So, Chondrichthyes are the 'cartilage fishes'—animals like sharks and rays whose skeletons are made of cartilage instead of bone.