9781422276785

ARE RAYS A TYPE OF SHARK? While rays are similar to sharks in many ways, they are actually cousins of the ferocious predators. Rays and sharks both belong to the scientific class called Chondrichthyes, which means cartilage fish. Both sharks and rays have paired fins, jaws, and nostrils. Most rays are not nearly as dangerous as their fierce cousins. SIDEBAR Eagle rays are typically spotted and have a longer tail than sting rays. ELECTRIC RAYS While electric rays do not have stinging tails, they are just as dangerous as stingrays. Electric rays have a pair of organs that sit halfway between their pectoral fins and their heads. These organs are able to send out a powerful electrical current, both for hunting and for self-defense. When this current hits its target, the target is either stunned or killed.

14