A rare deep-sea chimaera species endemic to southern African marine ecosystems, characterized by its unique elongated paddle-shaped snout and cartilaginous skeleton.
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Deep marine environments of the southwestern African continental slope, typically at depths between 400-1,200 meters in cold temperate waters with rocky or sandy substrates.
Ecological Role
Plays a critical role in deep-sea food webs as a predator, contributing to marine biodiversity and ecosystem balance in oceanic regions.
Morphology
SKIN COATSmooth, grey to brownish-grey dermal covering with minimal scales, typical of chimaera species
LIMBS WINGSBroad pectoral fins adapted for efficient maneuvering in deep marine habitats
HEAD SENSORYAdvanced electroreceptive system with ampullae of Lorenzini for detecting prey in low-light deep-sea environments
BODY STRUCTUREElongated cartilaginous body with a distinctive paddle-shaped rostrum, average length approximately 1.2 meters, weight around 15-20 kg
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: CSIRO National Fish Collection
