A unique marine chimera species endemic to New Zealand waters, belonging to the Holocephali class of cartilaginous fish. This rare ghost shark inhabits deep-sea environments and represents an ancient lineage of marine vertebrates.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Inhabits deep marine environments around New Zealand, typically at depths between 100-600 meters in continental shelf and slope regions with cold, nutrient-rich waters.
Ecological Role
Plays a crucial role in deep-sea food webs as a predator, contributing to marine ecosystem balance and biodiversity in New Zealand's marine ecosystems.
Morphology
SKIN COATSmooth, scaleless skin with gray to dark gray coloration, providing camouflage in deep marine environments
LIMBS WINGSPectoral fins used for precise underwater navigation, single dorsal fin with venomous spine
HEAD SENSORYDistinctive chimaera head with electrosensory ampullae of Lorenzini for detecting prey, large eyes adapted to low-light deep-sea conditions
BODY STRUCTURECartilaginous skeleton, streamlined body with elongated tail, approximately 60-80 cm in total length, weight ranges 1-3 kg
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Auckland Museum Collections from Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand
