Researchers from the New Zealand institute NIWA have found a very rare specimen of ghost shark in the depths of the abyss
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himIn New Zealand, scholars from the NIWA National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research research center did an exceptional find: a pup of Hydrolagus ghost shark, a very rare species that is also known in the scientific world as a "chimera" because it belongs to the Chimaeridae family.
By far my favourite find of the trip! ??
A neonate ghost #shark??, recently hatched (evident by its belly full of egg yolk). Found at 1200 m+ depth. pic.twitter.com/4IZKHLFmjI
- Brit Finucci (@BritFinucci) February 8, 2022
The specimen in question, although the name is very misleading, is not a real shark, but a cartilaginous fish related to stingrays and sharks. The cub was found at a depth of 1200 meters near the South Island, one of the two major islands that make up the state of New Zealand.
The ghost shark is a fish that is very rarely seen, especially as a young fish. The embryos develop in the eggs laid on the seabed and feed on these until they hatch. All ghost sharks are blind and have fins that resemble wings and also because of their appearance they are considered "ancestors of sharks".
The discovery was completely accidental and took place during a check of the marine fauna present along the coasts of the island. In fact, the researchers did not expect to find this little one. The finding of this ghost shark will now provide them with the opportunity to learn more about the evolution of this species which in puppies has very different characteristics from adults.
From some better studied species of chimeras we know that young people and adults can have different dietary and habitat needs "
said Dr. Finucci, one of the NIWA researchers.
Puppies can live in totally different environments from their parents and most of their adult peers. While most of these specimens populate the abyss, some have also been sighted in shallow coastal waters, but little is known about them.
Fonte: NIWA
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