Some of the planet's strangest sharks and rays face extinction partly due to commercial fishing, scientists claim.
Among the 50 species threatened are a shark that stuns prey with its tail and a sawfish whose snout is lined with razor-sharp teeth.
Losing just one of the sharks would stop millions of years of evolutionary history in its tracks.
The basking shark (pictured) is the second-largest species of shark on the planet and is 23rd on the list of those facing extinction
The longtooth sawfish (pictured) tops the list of the 50 sharks and rays that are now at risk of extinction, scientists have warned
The public needs to rethink its perception of sharks in order to realise their importance in the natural world, marine biologist Fran Cabada told the BBC.
'The biggest myth around sharks is definitely the perception that they are dangerous, that they are man-eating machines - they're not,' she said.
'There have been some negative interactions recorded but they are very infrequent and they're not intentional.'
Sharks, rays and chimeras have for the first time been assessed for the Edge (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered) of Existence programme.
Most sharks are crucial to the health of our waters due to the status they enjoy at the top of the food chain.
If they died out, the impact would be felt across fish populations and would ultimately spread to affect humans. The Edge of Existence assessment found fishing was to blame for the sharp declines.
The basking shark (pictured) is just one of the 50 rays and sharks to make a list of those facing extinction as scientists warn of over-fishing and other factors
But coastal developments also played their part, as they resulted in in habitat loss. Other factors include the degradation of mangrove forests, trawling and water pollution.
Doctor Matthew Gollock from the Zoological Society of London said that the creatures featured on the list represent some of the most unique on Earth.
Some of the species that made the list are:
Largetooth sawfish
This ray tops the list. Threats it faces are unsustainable fishing and being unintentionally snared in nets. Its most distinctive feature is its snout, which is lined with teeth.
Caribbean electric ray
These rays give electric shocks to stun prey. It hides in sand or mud during the day and t night forages for worms and other small prey.
Zebra shark
This shark changes in appearance throughout its life. They are born with zebra stripes, which change to spots as they age. It has a lifespan of 25 to 35 years and lives on the seafloor.
The zebra shark (pictured) is actually born with stripes but later changes them for spots as they grow older
Whale shark
This is the biggest fish in the sea and can reaching up to 65ft in length. The filter feeder eats plankton and small fish.
Basking shark
This is the second largest species of shark and fish on Earth and it is the 23rd most at risk.
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News Pictures Extinction looms over fifty species of sharks and rays, experts warn
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