TaxonHub
Black Ghostshark

Black Ghostshark

Hydrolagus homonycteris

A rare chimaerid fish species endemic to Australian marine waters, characterized by its cartilaginous skeleton and ghost-like appearance.

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Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

Temperate marine environments along the southern Australian continental shelf, typically at depths between 200-800 meters in rocky seafloor regions

Ecological Role

Key predator in deep marine ecosystems, contributing to marine food web dynamics and indicating ecosystem health in deep-water habitats

Morphology

  • SKIN COAT Smooth, scaleless skin with a translucent to grayish-black coloration
  • LIMBS WINGS Broad pectoral fins used for gliding, single dorsal spine, no true bone structure
  • HEAD SENSORY Advanced electrosensory ampullae of Lorenzini, large eyes adapted for low-light deep-sea environments
  • BODY STRUCTURE Elongated, soft-bodied cartilaginous fish with a flattened head and tapering body, approximately 60-80 cm in total length
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: CSIRO National Fish Collection
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Related Species in Chimaeridae