A deep-sea cartilaginous fish species endemic to New Zealand waters, belonging to the Chimaeriformes order and characterized by its unique evolutionary adaptations.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Deep marine environments around New Zealand, typically found at depths between 500-1,200 meters in continental slope regions with rocky or sandy substrates.
Ecological Role
Plays a role in deep-sea ecosystem food webs as a mid-level predator, contributing to marine biodiversity and nutrient cycling in offshore marine ecosystems.
Morphology
SKIN COATSmooth, grey-brown dermal layer with potential protective mucus coating characteristic of holocephalian fish.
LIMBS WINGSDeveloped pectoral fins used for precise maneuvering in deep marine environments, with a characteristic chimaera wing-like fin structure.
HEAD SENSORYPossesses electroreceptive ampullae of Lorenzini for detecting prey, with large eyes adapted to low-light deep-sea conditions.
BODY STRUCTUREElongated cartilaginous body with a distinctive rat-tail-like posterior, typical of chimaera species. Total length approximately 60-80 cm.
