Spookfish
Scientists in New Zealand have made an exciting discovery: a new species of “ghost shark,” commonly known as a spookfish.
This remarkable finding was made in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, specifically more than a mile below the surface during research conducted in the Chatham Rise, a significant area located approximately 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) east of New Zealand’s South Island.
The newly identified species has been named Harriotta avia and is a fascinating addition to the family of ghost sharks, which are related to both sharks and rays.
Unlike most fish, ghost sharks possess skeletons made entirely of cartilage, giving them a unique structure. Known for their ethereal appearance, spookfish have smooth, scale-free skin that is light brown in color, complemented by their distinctive black eyes.
Their beak-like mouths are specially adapted for feeding on crustaceans, allowing them to hunt effectively at depths reaching up to 2,600 meters (8,530 feet).
Leading the discovery was research scientist Brit Finucci from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA). She named the species in honor of her grandmother, adding a personal touch to this scientific achievement.
Interestingly, what was once thought to be a globally distributed species has now been identified as genetically and morphologically distinct from its relatives, shedding light on the complexities of marine biodiversity.
Finucci expressed the challenges of studying ghost sharks, stating, “Ghost sharks like this one are largely confined to the ocean floor, making them difficult to study.
This discovery provides a rare opportunity to learn more about these elusive creatures.”
The identification of the Australasian Narrow-nosed Spookfish underscores the vast mysteries that lie within the deep sea and emphasizes the urgent need for further exploration of these largely uncharted areas.
The deep ocean remains one of the least explored regions on Earth, and findings like this highlight the significance of ongoing research and the potential for discovering even more unique species that inhabit these dark and mysterious waters.
