A rare deep-sea cartilaginous fish species endemic to southern Australian marine environments, characterized by its unique morphological features and evolutionary distinctiveness within the Holocephali class.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Deep marine environments off southern Australia, typically inhabiting continental slope regions at depths between 400-800 meters, characterized by cold, dark oceanic conditions
Ecological Role
As a deep-sea predator, contributes to marine ecosystem balance by regulating prey populations and serving as potential indicator species for marine ecosystem health
Morphology
SKIN COATSmooth, scaleless skin with muted coloration, primarily pale brownish-grey to fulvous
LIMBS WINGSBroad pectoral fins for efficient deep-water locomotion, single dorsal fin with prominent spine
HEAD SENSORYSpecialized electroreceptive ampullary system for detecting prey in low-visibility deep-sea environments, prominent lateral line system
BODY STRUCTUREElongated, soft-bodied chondrichthyan with a distinctive chimaera body plan, approximately 60-80 cm total length, streamlined for deep-sea navigation
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: McCoy, Frederick
