CELEBRATING AUSTRALIA'S MARINE BIODIVERSITY Australia's Marine Biodiversity Facts Australia's waters support the world's largest number of bony fish species, with over 4, 000 species. More than 296 species of cartilaginous fish are found in Australian waters including 166 sharks, 117 rays, and 13 chimaeras or ghost sharks. More than 60% of the world's cetacean species spend some time in Australian waters, including many species that breed in Australia. Australian cool water environments support over 1,150 species of macro-algae or seaweeds, more than 50% more than any comparable area on the planet. More .. Website design and construction by Peter Biro Last updated Oct 2000 © MESA 1999 - 2000