Amblyraja radiata These cool-water skates have rounded diamond shaped pectoral disks with stout tails, usually muddy brown on top, and white underneath. They are named for the scattered thorny denticles along their spines, edges of pectoral fins, and tails, interspersed with smaller ‚prickles‘. T
Danger to Humans There is little danger associated with the thorny skate.
Sphyraena barracuda This long, tubular fish has a very pointed snout filled with two rows of teeth, and small fins set back towards its crescent caudal (tail) fin. It is a shiny blue-gray above, fading to silver and white below, usually with dark spots on its lower sides, and sometimes with faint
successful daytime ambush hunter that can burst in speeds up to 35 mph, and is a danger
Pterois volitans This Indo-Pacific reef fish has become an invasive species in the Western Atlantic with few or no predators. This almond-shaped fish is covered in red and white zebra striping, and has long, elaborate fins and venomous spines. They can grow to between 12 and 15 inches long, and p
eradicate the species has been enacted or recommended despite the enormous potential danger
Carcharhinus perezi This sturdy shark is abundant in the Caribbean, and because of its average features, is often confused with other requiem sharks. Usually growing 6.5 to 10 feet long, these are the apex predator of their food web. They have been found ’sleeping‘ in caves and on the ocean floor
Danger to Humans The Caribbean reef shark infrequently attacks humans.
Mustelus californicus This small, slender shark has a pointed snout and large oval eyes, and triangular fins with a lobed, asymmetrical caudal (tail) fin. Brownish gray on top and fading to a light underbelly, they usually grow to 46 inches long, but some females have been measured at 64 inches.
Danger to Humans This small shark is considered harmless to humans.
Pristis pectinata The sawfish derives its name from its elongated, blade-like snout, that is studded with „teeth“. While they look similar to sharks, they are actually highly derived rays. The smalltooth sawfish is one of five species of sawfishes found worldwide. Historically, the species had a
Danger to Humans Humans are not in any direct danger from the sawfish.
Fenestraja sinusmexicanus This deep-water, bottom-dwelling skate has a heart-shaped pectoral disc that is reddish brown to purple on top and pale yellowish underneath. There are several rows of thorns around the edge of the pectoral fins and down the spine of the skate, onto its slender, long tai
Danger to Humans This skate is considered harmless to humans.
The remnants of an Indian village destroyed by war almost two centuries ago reveal the Seminoles were actually blending into the American melting pot before they were driven to the swamps of South Florida, say Florida Museum of Natural History researchers. In a search for clues to what life w
Warned of the approaching danger by a black ally of the Seminoles, the Indian residents
Dipturus olseni These deep-water, Western Atlantic skates have very pointed snouts, with triangular pectoral fins that are slightly concave at the front and rounded at the back. They have denticle thorns and small dorsal fins on their slender tail, and not many thorns on its pectoral disc, which
Danger to Humans Skates are completely harmless to humans since they lack a stinging
Whether you love them or fear them, this Children’s Book Meetup is sure to help you understand a little bit more about one of the ocean’s most well-known predators – sharks! On Saturday, December 5, 2020 the Florida Museum and the Alachua County Library District (ACLD) met to talk all things sharks
how they eat, the challenges they face, and whether or not certain species pose a danger
