Fish, Sharks, Skates and Rays

This clown-like fish is a favourite amongst divers and snorkellers. They are inquisitive little souls and will investigate divers near…

The shanny is a common sight in rockpools all around the UK. They are feisty little fish and have been known to bite when caught, so…

This little fish is found in rockpools during the summer months and has a clever adaptation that stops it being swept away by strong…

The slippery butterfish is a common sight in rockpools all around the UK. Look out for the distinctive black spots on their backs that…

Small-spotted catsharks used to be called lesser-spotted dogfish - which might be what you know them best as. It's the same shark,…

One of the UK’s rarest marine species, this giant of the rocky shore is a very special fish.

The thresher shark is a migratory species and passes through UK waters in the summer months. If you’re lucky, you might see this…

The nursehound is a nocturnal predator, hunting smaller fish close to the seafloor.

This large skate has tiny, prickly spines all over its back.

The spotted ray is one of the smallest species of skate, growing to only 80 cm.

It’s easy to identify this distinctive skate from the black and yellow marbled eye spots on each wing.

The undulate ray has beautiful wavy patterns on its back, which helps it camouflage against the sandy seabed.

This slender shark gets its name from the spines in front of its dorsal fin. It can use these spines to defend itself by curling in a…

The porbeagle shark is a member of the shark family Lamnidae, making it one of the closest living relatives of the great white shark.…

One of the most colourful fish in UK seas, the cuckoo wrasse looks like it belongs in the tropics. Don't be fooled though, it'…

Despite its name, the "common" skate is not so common anymore. In fact, they are Critically Endangered.

The most commonly encountered ray around the British Isles, it's easy to see where the thornback ray got its name from - just check…

This slender and elegant shark species is often found close to shore all around our coasts and can grow up to 6 feet long.

Sand eels are a hugely important part of our marine ecosystem. In fact, the fledgling success of our breeding seabirds entirely depends…

It's easy to see where the blue shark got its name from. These sleek, elegant sharks have beautiful metallic blue backs which…

The black sea bream really is a fascinating fish. From sex changes to nest building, this fish is full of surprises!

Seabass is a seafood favourite, appearing on menus throughout the UK. But it's in trouble in UK seas, with much of the seabass we…

One of 2 seahorses found in UK seas, long snouted seahorses are recognisable by their longer snout and fleshy "mane".

One of 2 seahorses found in UK seas, short snouted seahorses are recognisable by their shorter snout - surprisingly enough!

This brightly coloured and easily recognizable fish is one of three gurnard species found in UK seas. Collectively, gurnards are known…

Mackerel are a sign of summer's arrival, when they appear inshore in huge numbers all around the UK. As well as being a sustainable…

The ocean sunfish is the second largest bony fish on the planet and visits UK seas during the summer months to feast on jellyfish.

Plaice is a common sight all around our coasts - if you can spot it! They are extremely well camouflaged against the seabed and can even…

This funny-looking fish certainly won't be winning any beauty pageants, but it's a real contender for Father of the Year!

This gentle giant is the largest shark in UK seas, reaching up to 12m in length. There's no need to fear them though, they only eat…