Yes, sharks are a type of fish. More precisely, they are cartilaginous fish: their skeletons are made primarily of cartilage rather than true bone, and they use gills to take oxygen from water. NOAA Fisheries identifies sharks as elasmobranchs, a group that also includes rays, sawfish, and skates.
Key takeaways
- Sharks are fish, specifically cartilaginous fish.
- Their skeletons are made primarily of cartilage rather than true bone.
- Sharks breathe with gills, taking oxygen from water.
- Fish include both cartilaginous and bony fish; sharks are not excluded from the fish group because their skeletons are not bony.
- Shark biology varies by species, including how they reproduce.
What type of fish is a shark?
A shark is a cartilaginous fish. NOAA Fisheries describes sharks as elasmobranchs, a group that also includes rays, sawfish, and skates. Their skeletons are made of cartilage—the gristly material also found in ears and the tips of noses—rather than the typical bony-fish skeleton.
“Fish” includes more than bony fish. Sharks are still fish even though their skeletons differ from those of many familiar fish. As NOAA Fisheries puts it in “Fun Facts About Shocking Sharks”: “Sharks are fish. They live in water, and use their gills to filter oxygen from the water.”
How are sharks different from bony fish?
The central difference is the material of the skeleton: sharks have skeletons made primarily of cartilage, while bony fish have skeletons made of bone. Both groups are fish. Sharks also breathe with gills, taking oxygen from water.
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| Feature | Sharks | Bony fish |
|---|---|---|
| Broad group | Cartilaginous fish; elasmobranchs | Bony fish |
| Skeleton | Primarily cartilage | Bone |
| Breathing | Gills take oxygen from water | Gills take oxygen from water |
Cartilage is firm and flexible, like the material in human ears and nose tips. Having a cartilage skeleton makes sharks a distinctive kind of fish; it does not mean they are not fish.
How do sharks reproduce?
Shark reproduction varies by species. NOAA Fisheries describes both egg-laying and live-bearing sharks, so neither strategy applies to every shark. Giving birth to live young does not make a shark a mammal: sharks remain cartilaginous fish.
As one species-specific example, NOAA Fisheries reported that a spiny dogfish can be pregnant for up to 24 months, describing this as the longest gestation period of any vertebrate. That figure applies to the spiny dogfish, not to sharks generally.
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Are sharks related to rays and skates?
Yes. Sharks, rays, sawfish, and skates are commonly grouped as elasmobranchs within the cartilaginous fishes. They differ in body shape and lifestyle, but share this broader classification. Chimaeras are another group of cartilaginous fish.
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Do all sharks look or behave alike?
No. Shark biology varies across species, including their size, habitat, diet, and reproduction. For example, some sharks lay eggs and others bear live young. Being a shark identifies a diverse group of cartilaginous fish, not one uniform body type or way of life.
Want to learn more about sharks?
For further reading, National Geographic Kids lists 1,000 Facts About Sharks by Sarah Wassner Flynn, with shark facts and photographs. It is an optional way to explore the subject beyond this basic classification.
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FAQ
Are sharks fish?
Yes. Sharks are cartilaginous fish, with skeletons made primarily of cartilage.
Why are sharks called cartilaginous fish?
The name refers to their skeletons, which are made primarily of cartilage rather than the bone typical of bony fish.
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No. Some shark species bear live young, but sharks remain fish. Reproduction varies among shark species.
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- 🔥 KEEPS TROPICAL & COLD-SENSITIVE FISH COMFORTABLE - Unlike most aquarium kits, ours comes with a reliable heater—essential for keeping delicate fish warm and healthy year-round.
- ✨ PREMIUM CRYSTAL-CLEAR GLASS FOR AN IMMERSIVE VIEW - Crafted from ultra-clear 5mm thick HD glass with 92% light transmittance, this tank offers a stunning, distortion-free view of your fish.
- 🌊 ADVANCED FILTRATION FOR CLEAN WATER - The included hang-on-back filter features both mechanical and biological filtration - sponge for debris and ceramic rings for impurities, harmful chemicals removal. This system keeps your tank water clean and clear, while enhancing oxygen exchange for healthier aquatic life.
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Are rays and skates related to sharks?
Yes. Sharks, rays, sawfish, and skates are elasmobranchs, a group of cartilaginous fish.
The bottom line
Yes, sharks are fish. More precisely, they are cartilaginous fish: their skeletons are made primarily of cartilage, and they use gills to take oxygen from water. Their classification as elasmobranchs sets them apart from bony fish without taking them out of the fish group.
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