New species of 'ghost shark' with unique snout discovered in Pacific

New Zealand researchers have made a remarkable discovery in the depths of the Pacific Ocean – a new species of "ghost shark" named Harriota avia. A long snout characterises the new species and lives at great depths, significantly complicating its study.

"Ghost sharks", to which Harriota avia belongs, are closely related to sharks and rays. These mysterious creatures have no scales, and their skeletons are entirely made of cartilage. They usually live at depths reaching up to 8,530 feet.

"Their habitat makes them difficult to study and monitor, which means we know very little about their biology or whether they pose a threat," said Dr Brit Finucci in an interview with the BBC. Dr Finucci is one of the New Zealand scientists who described the new species.

The team of researchers from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) encountered the fish in the Chatham Rise area of the ocean floor, located east of New Zealand. Dr Finucci stated that the newly discovered species is distinguished by an exceptionally long snout, which may constitute half the length of its body.

As the researcher admitted, the name Harriota avia has personal significance for her. "Avia in Latin means grandmother. I wanted to honour her because she proudly supported me in my scientific career," explained Dr Finucci.