A fascinating discovery has been made off the coast of Thailand – a rare species of chimaera, also known as a ‘ghost shark’, has been found lurking in the depths of the ocean. Named Chimaera supapae, this unique creature possesses giant eyes, massive heads, and delicate feather-like fins, making it a sight to behold.
Chimaeras, distinct from rays and sharks, are cartilaginous fish, some of the oldest species still thriving today. This newly identified species, classified as a type of shortnose chimaera, was unveiled in a paper published in the journal Raffles Bulletin of Zoology on March 6th. The study underscores the ghost shark’s preference for the dark, sunless depths of the deep sea, with sightings occurring below 1,640 feet along continental slopes and ocean ridges.
Feeding primarily on bottom-dwelling creatures like molluscs and crustaceans, Chimaera supapae can grow up to nearly 20 inches in length, boasting broad pectoral fins to aid in navigation across the seabed. The discovery of this species, found off the Andaman coast of Thailand during a deep-sea survey project in 2018, marks a significant addition to our understanding of marine biodiversity.
David Ebert, lead author of the study and programme director of the Pacific Shark Research Centre at San Jose State University in California, highlights the rarity of chimaeras in this region. With only 53 known species worldwide, the discovery of Chimaera supapae brings the tally to 54, shedding light on the remarkable diversity hidden within the depths of our oceans.
Ebert emphasises the evolutionary significance of chimaeras, tracing their lineage back 300-400 million years. This discovery underscores the vast expanse of unexplored marine environments and the wealth of knowledge yet to be uncovered. Indeed, each new finding, such as the remarkable Chimaera supapae, adds another piece to the puzzle of our underwater world, reminding us of the endless wonders awaiting discovery beneath the waves.
