New Zealand scientists unveil new deep-sea ghost shark species
The British broadcaster BBC has reported that New Zealand scientists have discovered a new species of "ghost shark" – a rare type of fish that is extremely difficult to detect.
Also known as "freaks" or "chimaeras," ghost sharks are closely related to sharks and rays. Unlike other fish, they do not have scales, and their skeletons are made entirely of cartilage. These mysterious creatures inhabit environments at great depths, sometimes as deep as 8,530 feet. The new species, Harriota avia, discovered by scientists from New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), fits this description.
New species of "ghost shark"
"Their habitat makes them hard to study and monitor, meaning we don't know a lot about their biology or threat status," said Dr Brit Finucci in an interview with the BBC, adding that the discovery of a new species is "exciting."
Scientists from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) reported that they found a representative of Harriota avia to the east of the New Zealand coast in an area of the Pacific Ocean floor known as the Chatham Ridge.
Initially, scientists believed that the fish observed belonged to a known species found worldwide. However, upon closer study, it was revealed to be genetically distinct and exclusive to the waters near Australia and New Zealand.
Harriota avia
The most distinctive feature of Harriota avia is its exceptionally long snout, which can make up as much as half the fish's body length.
Dr Brit Finucci shared that the name of the species holds personal significance for her.
"Avia means grandmother in Latin, I wanted to give this nod to her because she proudly supported me through my career as a scientist. Chimaeras are also rather ancient relatives – the grandmas and grandpas – of fish and I thought the name was well suited," explained the researcher.
