Sharks, Skates, and Ratfish

This identification guide is intended to provide information and key characteristics for common species in Washington’s marine waters.  To access species information, click on a species name below. For each species, information is available on expected sizes, typical distribution, and published ages. 

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife also provides information about shark identification and skate identification.

Additional shark identification information can be found at Fisheries and Oceans Canada or at ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research.

Species of sharks, skates, and ratfish