WELLINGTON, New Zealand: Scientists in New Zealand have identified a new species of ghost shark, officially named Harriotta avia, during research conducted in the Pacific Ocean.
This discovery, made by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), highlights the unique biodiversity found in deep-sea ecosystems. The Australasian Narrow-nosed Spookfish, as it is also known, was found at depths exceeding a mile, specifically in the Chatham Rise area, located approximately 1,000 kilometers east of New Zealand’s South Island.
Ghost sharks, or chimaeras, are fascinating creatures that are closely related to sharks and rays but possess a skeleton made entirely of cartilage. Characterized by their smooth, scale-free skin and haunting black eyes, these fish are adapted to their deep-sea habitats, where they predominantly feed on crustaceans. The spookfish uses its beak-like mouth to capture prey at depths of up to 2,600 meters (8,530 feet).
The new species was previously believed to belong to a singular global species, but recent genetic and morphological analyses revealed significant differences. Research scientist Brit Finucci, who named the species in honor of her grandmother, expressed excitement over this discovery, emphasizing the challenges of studying such elusive and deep-dwelling species. As ghost sharks are difficult to monitor due to their ocean floor habitat, understanding their biology and conservation status remains limited, making such discoveries crucial for marine science.
