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The Australasian narrow-nosed Spookfish, a newly discovered ghost shark species, was found in the deep waters off Australia and New Zealand. Researchers from NIWA identified it in the Chatham Rise, revealing it as a distinct species, previously thought to be globally distributed. Ghost sharks, or chimaeras, have cartilaginous skeletons and unique features like black eyes and smooth skin. They inhabit the ocean floor, feeding on crustaceans at depths of 2,600 meters. The species was named "Harriotta avia" in honor of the research scientist's grandmother, highlighting the challenges of studying these elusive deep-sea creatures.
The Australasian narrow-nosed Spookfish, a newly discovered ghost shark species, was found in the deep waters off Australia and New Zealand. Researchers from NIWA identified it in the Chatham Rise, revealing it as a distinct species, previously thought to be globally distributed. Ghost sharks, or chimaeras, have cartilaginous skeletons and unique features like black eyes and smooth skin. They inhabit the ocean floor, feeding on crustaceans at depths of 2,600 meters. The species was named "Harriotta avia" in honor of the research scientist's grandmother, highlighting the challenges of studying these elusive deep-sea creatures.
•Found by NIWA researchers in the Chatham Rise region.
•Ghost sharks are relatives of sharks and rays with cartilaginous skeletons.
•They have distinctive black eyes and smooth, light brown skin.
•Inhabit ocean floor, feeding on crustaceans at depths of 2,600 meters.
•Named "Harriotta avia" in honor of the research scientist's grandmother.
•Study of these species is challenging due to their deepsea habitat.
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