A rare deep-sea cartilaginous fish species endemic to the marine waters around New Zealand, characterized by its unique leopard-like spotted pattern and primitive evolutionary features.
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Deep marine environments of the New Zealand continental shelf, typically found at depths between 500-1000 meters in cold temperate waters with rocky or sandy substrates.
Ecological Role
Plays a critical role in deep-sea ecosystem food webs as a mid-level predator, contributing to marine biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance in benthic and lower pelagic zones.
Morphology
SKIN COATSmooth, scaleless skin with distinctive leopard-like dark spots and lighter background coloration
LIMBS WINGSBroad pectoral fins for precise maneuvering, single dorsal fin with defensive spine, long whip-like tail for efficient swimming
HEAD SENSORYLarge electrosensory ampullary system for detecting prey, prominent eyes adapted for low-light deep-sea environments, and specialized sensory rostral tendrils
BODY STRUCTUREElongated, compressed body typical of chimaeroid fish, approximately 60-80 cm total length, with cartilaginous skeleton and distinctive spotted pattern
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Digital image courtesy of the Getty's Open Content Program.
