A-Z of Sharks Poster

A B C D E F G
Angelshark
Basking Shark
Chimaera
Devil Ray
Epaulette Shark
Frilled Shark
Goblin Shark
This ambush predator camouflages
itself well in the sand and feeds on bony
fish, crustaceans, molluscs, squid and
cuttlefish.
The second largest fish in the world
feeds solely on zooplankton and is
highly migratory – visiting the UK
coastline during summer months.
Chimaera are strange and mysterious
fish that live deep in the ocean. They
are very closely related to sharks, skates
and rays.
Closely related to Manta Rays, Devil Rays
have similar ‘horn’ shaped lobes on the
front of their heads.
Epaulette Sharks live on coral reefs and
can survive barely submerged, using
their pectoral fins to ‘walk’ over the reef.
Frilled Sharks are one of the oldest shark
species still around today and are often
described as ‘living fossils’ due to their
primitive features.
Found in deepwater, this species is
pinkish-white in colour and can extend
its jaws to bring prey items to its mouth.
H I J K L M N
Hammerhead Shark
Indian Swellshark
Japanese Sawshark
All species of hammerhead have an
unmistakable shaped head, this helps
increase the sharks electromagnetic
senses used when hunting.
If threatened, swell sharks can inflate
their stomachs, making it difficult for
predators to remove them from crevices.
The tooth studded rostrum of this
species is used to capture prey and may
also be used in defence.
Kitefin Shark
Lemon Shark
This deepwater shark hovers close to the
sea floor and has a large oil-filled liver
which provides neutral buoyancy.
This stocky shark is named because of
its yellow-brown skin colour.
Manta Ray
Nurse Shark
The Manta Ray is the largest of the
ray species and (like the largest shark
species) are filter feeders.
Nurse Sharks are nocturnal, often found
resting in groups by day in shallow
water and becoming active at night.
O P Q R S T U
Oceanic Whitetip Shark
Port Jackson Shark
This species is easily recognised by
its large, rounded dorsal fin and long,
paddle-like pectoral fins - all of which
have white tips.
Port Jacksons produce corkscrew
shaped eggcases which they lay in rock
crevices. Each eggcase contains one pup
which takes up to 9 months to hatch.
Quagga Catshark
Raggedtooth Shark
Smallspotted Catshark
The Quagga Catshark is very small
at only 35cm and is found in tropical
offshore waters in the Indian Ocean.
Also called the Sandtiger or Grey Nurse
Shark, this species occurs in most
tropical and warm oceans. Developing
embryos are eaten by the larger siblings
inside the mother.
Often called dogfish by fishermen, this
species lays eggcases (called mermaids’
purses) which can be found washed up
on beaches in the strandline.
V W X Y Z
Velvet Belly Shark
White Shark
eXtinct
Yellow Guitarfish
Zebra Shark
Velvet Belly Sharks have bioluminescent
undersides which emit light. This
provides counter-illumination which
actually camouflages against predators
below.
White Sharks are efficient predators;
their bodies are counter-shaded with
a darker top and white underneath,
making it difficult for their prey to see
them coming.
Sharks have been around for 450 million
years so it’s no surprise that some have
gone extinct over the years. However,
an increasing number of species are
becoming threatened with extinction
due to exploitation and habitat loss.
This elusive guitarfish is found in
Japanese waters and is an expert at
blending in with its surroundings.
Zebra Sharks are given their name as the
juveniles have black stripes. However
as they mature, these stripes become
spots, often causing confusion with
people calling them Leopard Sharks!
Tiger Shark
The ‘Dustbin of the Sea’ isn’t a fussy eater
and prey can include bony fish, sharks,
rays, turtles, sea birds, seals, dolphins,
sea snakes, cephalopods, crabs, lobsters
and jellyfish, as well as human rubbish.
Undulate Ray
This Endangered ray can be found
along the south coast of England – their
presence is indicated by the empty
eggcases which wash ashore.
of Sharks
Sharks, skates, rays and chimaera are all Chondrichthyans, which means
they have a skeleton made of cartilage. Therefore when we refer to
sharks, all of these fish are included.
The Shark Trust’s A-Z of Sharks is funded by Wordshark.
www.sharktrust.org