haie

Haie are the German term for sharks, a diverse group of cartilaginous fishes. They belong to the class Chondrichthyes and include hundreds of described species that range from small bottom dwellers to large apex predators. Sharks are characterized by a skeleton made of cartilage, a streamlined body, five to seven gill slits on the sides, and usually one or more dorsal fins. Most have rows of replaceable teeth and a highly developed sense of smell, as well as a lateral line and, in many species, well-adapted vision. A distinctive feature is the ampullae of Lorenzini, electroreceptors that detect electrical fields produced by prey.

Sharks inhabit oceans worldwide, from shallow coastal areas to the deep sea. A few species can tolerate freshwater. They occupy diverse ecological roles, often as apex or mesopredators, feeding on fish, seals, mollusks, and squid. Reproduction is varied: some species lay eggs (oviparity), others give birth to live young through eggs hatched inside the mother (ovoviviparity), and some are placenta-bearing (viviparity). Gestation periods and litter sizes vary widely.

Conservation concerns have grown as many shark species are threatened by overfishing, bycatch, habitat degradation, and finning. International agreements and national protections, along with seasonal or area closures, have been implemented to reduce declines. Sharks also have cultural and economic significance, notably in ecotourism and in regional fisheries. In German usage, Haie is the plural form of Hai.