New Species of Ghost Shark Discovered in New Zealand
New Zealand scientists have discovered a new species of ghost shark, a deep-sea creature known for its elusive nature. This newly identified species, the Australasian Narrow-nosed Spookfish, lives in the waters surrounding Australia and New Zealand. Ghost sharks, also called chimaeras, are closely related to sharks and rays but have skeletons made entirely of cartilage.
The discovery was made by a team from New Zealand’s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) during surveys in an area known as the Chatham Rise, located east of New Zealand.
Dr. Brit Finucci, one of the researchers involved, expressed her excitement, noting that ghost sharks are difficult to study due to their deep-sea habitat. These creatures live at depths of up to 2,600 metres (1.6 miles) below the ocean’s surface, making them hard to monitor.
Ghost sharks, including the newly discovered species, feed on crustaceans like shrimp and mollusks and are known for their eerie appearance, with large, haunting eyes and smooth, scale-free skin. Despite their regular appearance in research surveys, much about their biology remains unknown, including their lifespan and role in the ecosystem.
The new species is particularly distinctive due to its long snout, which can make up half of its body length. Dr. Finucci named it Harriota avia in honour of her grandmother.
"Avia means grandmother in Latin," she said. "I wanted to give this nod to her because she proudly supported me through my career as a scientist."
Finucci also pointed out that ghost sharks are ancient creatures, often referred to as the “grandmas and grandpas” of fish species.
Initially, the spookfish was thought to be part of a species found worldwide. However, further research revealed that it is genetically unique and found only in Australasian waters. This discovery underscores how little we know about deep-sea creatures.
Finucci commented, “Ghost sharks always surprise me! It just goes to show how little we know about our oceans, particularly the deep sea.”
Finucci emphasised the importance of discoveries like this, as understanding more about these creatures could help with their conservation. The deep sea remains one of the least explored areas on Earth, and there is still a great deal to learn about the species that live there.
This new species, with its elongated snout and unique physical traits, is a reminder of the mysteries that still lie beneath the ocean’s surface.
As Finucci noted, “There’s still a lot to learn about ghost sharks!”
