Scientists have discovered a new species of the rare type of fish known as “ghost sharks” in New Zealand waters.
A ghost shark is incredibly difficult to spot as they lives exclusively in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Also known as chimeras or spookfish, the cartilaginous fish are closely related to sharks and rays.
A new ghost shark species has been discovered that is “genetically and morphologically different to its cousins”, according to New Zealand scientists.
Specimans of what has been described as the Australasian Narrow-nosed Spookfish were collected in the Chatham Rise off New Zealand’s coast during research surveys for Fisheries New Zealand.
It was identified as not being part of a single globally distributed species, and is distinct for its unusually long snout, making up half its body length.
Less is known about its habitat given it is, along with other ghost shark species, largely confined to the ocean floor in depths of up to 2,600 metres.
Dr Brit Finucci, a scientist who discovered the species, said: “Their habitat makes them hard to study and monitor, meaning we don’t know a lot about their biology or threat status, but it makes discoveries like this even more exciting.”
Ghost sharks can be identified by their smooth skin, free of scales. They feed off crustaceans such as shrimp and molluscs with their distinctive beak-like teeth.
The new Australasian Narrow-nosed Spookfish has been given the scientific name Harriotta avia by Dr Finucci, in memory of her grandmother.
“Avia means grandmother in Latin; I wanted to give this nod to her because she proudly supported me through my career as a scientist,” she said.
“Chimaeras are also rather ancient relatives – the grandmas and grandpas – of fish and I thought the name was well suited.
“Harriotta avia is unique due to its elongated, narrow and depressed snout; long, slender trunk; large eyes; and very long, broad pectoral fins. It is a lovely chocolate brown colour.”
