New Zealand scientists have discovered a new species of fish in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, called a “ghost shark” or “ghost shark.” It is distinguished by its extremely long snout, which can be half the length of its body.
A team of researchers from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) found the fish in an area of the Pacific Ocean floor known as the Chatham Ridge, which is located east of New Zealand.
“Ghost sharks” are closely related to sharks and rays. They have no scales and their skeletons are made entirely of cartilage. They usually live at great depths, reaching up to 2,600 meters.
“We know little about their biology”
“Their habitat makes them difficult to study and monitor, which means we know little about their biology or whether they pose a threat,” Dr Brit Finucci, one of the New Zealand scientists who described the new species, told the BBC.
Dr Finucci said the newly discovered species is characterised by an exceptionally long snout, which may be half the length of its body.
Newly discovered species of 'ghost shark'Cornfield
The species was named Harriot's flightThe researcher admitted that the name she gave the fish has a personal meaning for her. “Avia is Latin for grandmother. I wanted to pay tribute to her because she proudly supported me in my scientific career,” she explained.
Main image source: Cornfield