Rajiformes /ˈrædʒɪfɔːrmiːz/ is one of the four orders in the clade Batomorphi, often referred to as the superorder Batoidea, flattened cartilaginous fishes related to sharks.

[2] Rajiforms are distinguished by the presence of greatly enlarged pectoral fins, which reach as far forward as the sides of the head, with a generally flattened body.

Most species give birth to live young, although some lay eggs enclosed in a horny capsule ("mermaid's purse").

The snout is slender and pointed and the wide mouth, often covered with a fleshy nasal flap, is on the underside of the head.

[4] Species of the order Rajiformes are found throughout the world's oceans, from Arctic to Antarctic waters, and from shallow coastal shelves to open seas and abyssal regions.

[9] The extinct families Sclerorhynchidae and Ptychotrygonidae had long, serrated rostrums very similar to those of extant sawsharks and sawfishes, and their relation to them has been debated.

Later studies have instead found Sclerorhynchiformes to form a sister group to Rajidae, and thus downgraded it to being the suborder Sclerorhynchoidei of the order Rajiformes.

Some species are viviparous, others ovoviviparous (both giving birth to live young), but the skates lay eggs in horny cases known as mermaid's purses.

[citation needed] Most species are benthic, resting on the sandy or muddy sea bed, sometimes undulating their pectoral fins to stir up sediment and bury themselves shallowly.