Myliobatiformes facts for kids
Myliobatiformes are a fascinating group of fish that are closely related to sharks! They are a type of batoid, which means they are flat-bodied fish with wide, wing-like fins. Like sharks, they are cartilaginous fishes, meaning their skeletons are made of tough, flexible cartilage instead of bone.
For a long time, scientists grouped Myliobatiformes with other rays, but recent studies have shown they are a unique and distinct group. They are also related to skates, another type of flat-bodied fish.
What Are Myliobatiformes?
Myliobatiformes include many well-known rays, such as stingrays, eagle rays, and manta rays. These amazing creatures live in oceans all over the world, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. They are known for their unique body shapes and often have special features like stinging barbs or powerful jaws for crushing shells.
Types of Myliobatiformes
This group includes many different families of rays. Here are some of the main groups that belong to the Myliobatiformes:
- Platyrhinidae (fanrays)
- Zanobatidae (panrays)
- Myliobatoidei (a suborder that includes many familiar rays like eagle rays and stingrays)
- Hexatrygonidae (sixgill stingrays)
- Plesiobatidae (deepwater stingrays)
- Urolophidae (round rays)
- Urotrygonidae (American round stingrays)
- Dasyatidae (whiptail stingrays)
Each of these groups has its own special characteristics and ways of life, making the Myliobatiformes a very diverse and interesting part of the ocean's wildlife.
Images for kids
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Camouflaged round ribbontail ray
See also
In Spanish: Miliobatiformes para niños
