In sharks, one of the following is absent:
Claspers
Placoid scales
Air bladder
Cartilaginous endoskeleton
Class Chondrichthyes - Characteristics Features -
This class contains the fishes with cartilaginous endoskeleton.
Sharks, rays, skates, saw-fishes etc. belong to this class.
The notochord persists throughout their life
They have a tough skin covered with placoid scales.
They have powerful jaws with modified placoid scales called the teeth. The mouth is ventrally located.
The gill slits are not protected by an operculum.
They do not have a swim bladder due to which they swim continuously to prevent sinking.
They have a two-chambered heart with one atrium and one ventricle.
They are cold-blooded.
They have separate sexes. Fertilization occurs internally. They can be oviparous or viviparous.
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chondrichthyes do not have a swim or air bladder.