cartilaginous fish – fish possessing a skeleton made of cartilage

(Pronounced kar-tuh-la-jih-nus)

Note: The most well known type of cartilaginous fish is the shark.

To remember the meaning of cartilaginous fish, associate it with the shark and use the following mnemonic:

The shark's go-kart came last after the engine broke, so all the champagne was for us (cartilaginous).

Cartilaginous fish are a class of fish that have skeletons made entirely of cartilage rather than bone, making them lighter and more flexible than bony fish. This group includes sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras, and they are characterised by several features that set them apart from other fish. Unlike bony fish, cartilaginous fish lack a swim bladder and must constantly swim or rest on the bottom to avoid sinking, and instead of having a bony gill cover (operculum), they have multiple gill slits that are visible on the sides of their head or underneath their body.

Most cartilaginous fish are marine predators with highly developed senses, including the ability to detect electrical fields produced by other animals, and many species like sharks have multiple rows of replaceable teeth that are continuously shed and regrown throughout their lives.

These fish exhibit internal fertilisation and give birth to live young or lay large, leathery eggs. They also play a key role in helping maintain balance in the ocean food chain through their hunting of prey.