New Zealand: Researchers identify a new species of ‘Ghost shark’

Researchers in New Zealand announced today that they have identified a new species of ‘ghost shark,’ a fish capable of capturing prey in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Scientists discover ghostly 'spookfish'.

Scientists in New Zealand say they have discovered a new species of "ghost shark", a type of fish that prowls the Pacific Ocean floor hunting prey more than a mile downhttps://t.co/9GLlHFPfK9 pic.twitter.com/F7qMitCHpA

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) September 24, 2024

These fish, also known as chimaeras, have been found in the southwestern Pacific Ocean near the Chatham marine region, which extends over 1,000 kilometers east of New Zealand. The team from New Zealand’s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) in Wellington made the discovery.

‘Ghost sharks’ are related to sharks and rays, with a cartilaginous skeleton. They feed on crustaceans found at depths of up to 2,600 meters.

“Ghost sharks like this one are mostly restricted to deep ocean depths,” noted Brit Finucci, who named the new species Hydrolagus avius as a tribute to her grandmother.

“Their habitat makes studying and observing them difficult, which means we don’t know much about their life cycle or where they stand in terms of endangered species. Discoveries like this make it even more exciting,” she added.

This ‘ghost shark’ was previously thought to belong to a single global species, until researchers discovered genetic and morphological differences compared to related species.

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