Non-bony Fish: Sharks, Rays or Skates, and the Sea Lamprey

The fish to which we now come are non-bony in two senses. First, they have a skeleton which is cartilaginous, not of real bone. Secondly, they are thus free of those tiresome little bones which discourage people from eating some species. This is an advantage; and the corresponding disadvantages are more apparent than real.

The repellent aspect of sharks and rays is of little practical consequence; the less so since they are rarely marketed whole. Pieces of shark, usually the small ones called dogfish, look quite respectable on the fishmonger’s slab. Wings of ray or skate, dressed for sale, look positively attractive.