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Spiracle of a bluespotted ribbontail ray, Taeniura lymma. Spiracles (/ ˈ s p ɪr ə k əl, ˈ s p aɪ-/ [1] [2]) are openings on the surface of some animals, which usually lead to respiratory systems. Spiracle of a shark (bighead spurdog, Squalus bucephalus) The spiracle is a small hole behind each eye that opens to the mouth in some fish.
They also have a pair of slit-like spiracles on the top of their heads that are used to breathe air, [8] two gular plates, and paired ventral lungs. [9] Both lungs are unchambered sacs. The larger right lung reaches the whole length of the body cavity, while the smaller left lung extends to the stomach.
The shark is able to breathe with these gills by swimming or staying in a current. The Pacific spiny dogfish also has a special feature called a spiracle. These are gills that are behind the eyes of the shark that give oxygen to the eyes and brain. It is also used to breathe while resting or eating. [20]
Shark gill slits lie in a row behind the head. The anterior edge of a gill slit is motile, moving outward to allow water to exit, but closing to prevent reverse flow. A modified slit, called a spiracle , lies just behind the eye , which assists the shark with taking in water during respiration and plays a major role in bottom–dwelling sharks.
Spiracles are reduced or missing in active pelagic sharks. [28] While the shark is moving, water passes through the mouth and over the gills in a process known as "ram ventilation". While at rest, most sharks pump water over their gills to ensure a constant supply of oxygenated water.
Prickly dogfish, Oxynotus bruniensis Angular roughshark, Oxynotus centrina. Oxynotus is a genus of sharks in the order Squaliformes, commonly known as the rough sharks.It is the only extant genus in the family Oxynotidae.
Sawfish are mostly found in relatively shallow waters, typically at depths less than 10 m (33 ft), [2] and occasionally less than 1 m (3.3 ft). [61] Young prefer very shallow places and are often found in water only 25 cm (10 in) deep. [4] Sawfish can occur offshore, but are rare deeper than 100 m (330 ft). [2]
Rhina ancylostoma is a heavily built fish growing to 2.7 m (8.9 ft) long and 135 kg (298 lb) in weight. [3] [7] The head is short, wide, and flattened with an evenly rounded snout; the front portion of the head, including the medium-sized eyes and large spiracles, is clearly distinct from the body. The long nostrils are transversely oriented ...