Batomorphi
| Batomorphs Temporal range:
| |
|---|---|
| Pelagic stingray, Pteroplatytrygon violacea | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Chondrichthyes |
| Subclass: | Elasmobranchii |
| Division: | Batomorphi Compagno, 1973 |
| Orders | |
| Synonyms | |
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Batomorphi is a division of cartilaginous fishes, commonly known as rays; this taxon is sometimes considered as the superorder Batoidea, but the 5th edition of Fishes of the World classifies it as the division Batomorphi. Batomorphi, along with the shark division Selachii, both compose the subclass Elasmobranchii. Rays are the most speciose of cartilaginous fishes groups, with well over 600 species in 26 families. Rays are distinguished by their flattened bodies, enlarged pectoral fins that are fused to the head, and gill slits that are placed on their ventral surfaces.