A rare deep-sea chimaeroid fish species discovered in the southern Indian Ocean, characterized by its compact morphology and unique evolutionary lineage within the genus Chimaera.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Deep marine environments of the southern Indian Ocean, typically at bathyal depths between 800-1,500 meters, characterized by cold, dark, high-pressure marine ecosystems
Ecological Role
Plays a critical role in deep-sea food webs as a predatory cartilaginous fish, contributing to marine biodiversity and ecosystem balance in complex oceanic environments
Morphology
- SKIN COAT Smooth, cartilaginous skin with minimal scaling, predominantly gray to dark gray coloration
- LIMBS WINGS Broad pectoral fins adapted for maneuverability in deep-water currents, with a distinctive clasper structure in males
- HEAD SENSORY Highly developed electrosensory ampullae of Lorenzini, enabling precise prey detection in dark deep-sea environments
- BODY STRUCTURE Compact, robust body with a relatively short and stout form, typical of chimaeroid fishes, total length approximately 50-70 cm
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
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