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 the common or scientific name listed in the left hand column.  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 at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/finfish/sp/sharks.asp

And skate identification at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/finfish/sp/skates.asp#Big

Additional identification information can be found at Fisheries and Oceans Canada: https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/sharks/index-eng.html

Or at ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research: http://www.elasmo-research.org/education/topics/d_jurassic_shark.htm

Species of sharks, skates, and ratfish