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Chondrichthyans are a group of approximately 1,150 species that have lived in aquatic ecosystems for over 400 million years. Many species are unfortunately threatened, in particular because of certain characteristics of their life cycle combined with the impact of humans. Sharks and rays are particularly part of the chondrichthyans.
158 species of chondrichthyans are present in the Caribbean region, including 24 families of sharks. Diversity is greater in the south than in the north. In the region, one of the main causes of the decline of these species is overfishing. In addition, the degradation of living environments and pollution represent major threats.
You can consult the species sheets in the menu on the right.
