A unique marine chimaeroid fish species endemic to the coastal waters of southern Africa, characterized by its distinctive elongated snout and cartilaginous skeleton.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Primarily found in temperate marine environments along the southern African continental shelf, inhabiting depths between 50-500 meters with sandy or rocky bottom substrates.
Ecological Role
Mid-level marine predator playing a crucial role in oceanic food webs, controlling populations of smaller marine organisms and serving as prey for larger marine predators.
Morphology
SKIN COATSmooth, scaleless skin with a grayish-brown coloration providing camouflage in marine environments
LIMBS WINGSBroad, wing-like pectoral fins used for efficient underwater navigation and maneuvering
HEAD SENSORYDistinctive long, flexible proboscis-like snout with electrosensory capabilities for detecting prey in sandy or muddy seafloors
BODY STRUCTUREElongated, flattened body with a maximum length of approximately 1.2 meters, characterized by a soft cartilaginous skeleton
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Peter Southwood
