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Sharks and Rays |
Gulf Specimen Marine Lab does not ship live sharks at present. Frozen or iced sharks and selected tissues are available on a special collection basis. Bonnethead Shark Sphyrna tiburo is pictured above with buried whelk. F-2110 ATLANTIC STING RAY, Dasyatis sabina, has a venomous spine on its lashing tail that can cause a wound and painful swelling that takes months to heal. The sting ray also possesses high concentrations of uric acid in its body tissues and blood. Readily available at almost any time of the year. Size: 18-30 cm. 
F-2115 CLEARNOSE SKATE, Raja eglanteria -- Has proven to be a good experimental animal in a number of physiological experiments. They also possess a small electric organ in their tail. Available November through April. Size: 8-30 cm.  F-2120 ELECTRIC RAY, Narcine brasiliensis -- A rich source of acetylocholinesterase. They are sluggish creatures that employ electric organs for stunning their prey; more than 20 volts has been recorded from this form. Their electric organs are large, kidney shaped and accessible for rapid dissection. Size: 6-24 cm. To learn more about Electric Rays see Jack Rudloe's Wilderness Coast. 
F-2130 SMOOTH BUTTERFLY RAY, Gymnura micrura -- A useful source material for uric acid and easy to handle because it has no poisonous barb. Size: 12-24 cm. |