Habitat and Distribution

A. Distribution

Elasmobranchs inhabit tropical and temperate seas as well as some cold and polar seas and freshwater lakes.

B. Habitat

As a group, sharks are adapted for a wide range of aquatic habitats. Various species inhabit shallow coastal habitats, deep-water ocean floor habitats, and the open ocean.

C. Migration

Shark migration is poorly understood.

1 . Not all species migrate. In species that do migrate, the distance may be short or long.

2. Food availability, environmental cycles, or reproductive cycles probably determine most migrations. Females of many species migrate to specific locations to lay eggs or have pups.