elasmobranch
/ɪˈlazmə(ʊ)braŋk
/noun Zoology
A cartilaginous fish of a group that comprises the sharks, rays, and skates. Compare with selachian.
- Subclass Elasmobranchii, class Chondrichthyes.
- Like other elasmobranchs (sharks and rays), skates are vulnerable to overfishing because they mature late.
- Additional comments are made below regarding the distribution of epipelagic, mesopelagic, and benthopelagic elasmobranchs and teleosts in the upwelling assemblages.
Origin
Late 19th century: from modern Latin Elasmobranchii (plural), from Greek elasmos 'beaten metal' + brankhia 'gills'.