Inputs by Smayra Mehta
Scientists from New Zealand’s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric research (NIWA) have discovered a baby chimaera (also called ghost shark) while carrying out a trawl survey of the underwater populations in Chatham Rise. The newly-hatched shark (chimaera) was found about 1.2km (0.7 miles) deep inside the water near to the South Island.
The precise species of the hatchling has not been identified as yet, however genetic analysis and tissue sampling are underway to discover the same. It is being estimated that the baby was recently hatched because it’s belly had egg yolk.
Scientists also believe that this research would help in studying the habits and diet patterns of baby ghost sharks. It will also help to better understand the lifestyle of these sharks while they are young.
What are chimaeras or ghost sharks?
Ghost sharks, so called because they are not real sharks, are also known as ratfish, spookfish, rabbit fish, and chimaera (scientifically). They usually live deep inside the ocean and are rarely seen, making it highly unlikely to be able to spot their young ones. Most of them are found at depths of over 500m (about 1,640 ft, making it difficult to have a look at them in their herbal habitat.
Ghost sharks have a skeleton of cartilage and adult ghost sharks vary from 60-200cm in length. They usually do not have sharp teeths like sharks. They typically reproduce on the ocean ground, where the embryo grows in egg capsules while feeding off egg yolk until it hatches.
Image: Chimaera capsules Image Credit: Dr. Brit Finucci of NIWA