This means that they are considered deep-sea creatures because they reside in the twilight and midnight zones of the ocean. They typically live between 650-8,500 feet below the ocean’s surface. Vladimir Wrangel/ Chimaera Distribution, Population and HabitatĬhimaeras can be found in all of the world’s oceans except the Arctic. Like the short-nosed chimaera, they also have a small, venomous dorsal spine. They are typically pale in color and can grow up to 4.5 feet in length. Long-nosed chimaeras have the long, paddle-like snouts of elephant fish as well as the long, tapering tails of rat fish. They can grow to be between 1 and 5 feet long, including their tails, and they have a distinctive, venomous spine on their backs that is potent enough to injure a human. Short-nosed chimaeras are often called “ratfish” because of their long, tapering tails. Their coloring is usually a mixture of black and brown patches, and they have distinctively large pectoral fins that help them navigate waters quickly. They typically grow up to 4 feet long and have flat, elongated bodies. Their snouts can also sense movement and electrical fields, which makes them better hunters. These “trunks” are used to search the sea bottom for the small invertebrates that it feeds on. While they behave similarly to the other members of the chimaera order, they are distinguished by their long, flexible and fleshy snouts. This family of chimaeras is also commonly referred to as “elephant fish.” They are the only surviving members of the Callorhinchus genus. Instead, it would be more useful to look at the average appearance of members of each family of chimaeras. This means that it would be impossible to describe every known species of chimaera. It is small and pure white, and it has a thin, curved snout that is covered in nerve endings to help it hunt.īecause there are so many species of chimaeras that live in the deep waters of oceans around the globe, there are many variations of size, shape, coloring and distinguishing features. Small-spine spookfish: This unusual creature is part of the long-nosed chimaera family.Pale chimaera: They are also sometimes called the “pale ghost shark.” They are endemic to New Zealand, and they have a distinctive whitish-gray coloring that gives them their ghostlike appearance.Its name comes from its large head and small, tapering body. Rabbit fish: This species is also known as Chimera monstrosa.Some of the best-known species of chimaera include the following: Because so little is known about deep-sea creatures, researchers are constantly updating taxonomical information as new species are discovered. See all of our entertaining and insightful animal articles.Ĭurrent knowledge shows that there are about 50 species of chimaera fish that currently live in the deep ocean. Discover The Ancient Shark Fish With A Buzz Saw Jaw.Discover 5 Deep Sea Animals That May Be the Strangest on Earth.10 Deep Sea Creatures: Discover the Rarest Scariest Animals Beneath the Seas!.These names all stem from the chimaeras unique appearance. While these chimaeras do not bear any resemblance to their Greek mythology counterparts, the name does evoke a feeling of mystery.Ĭommon names for chimaeras include ghost shark, rat fish, spook fish and rabbit fish. The term “chimera” or “chimaera” is also used to describe a mythical lion-goat-snake hybrid creature. Rhinochimeridae, meaning “long-nosed” chimaera.Chimaeridae, meaning “short-nosed” chimera.Callorhinchidae, meaning “plough-nosed” chimaera.Chimaeras have completely scaleless skin.Ĭhimaera Classification and Scientific NameĬhimaeras are part of the order Chimaeraformes, which subdivides into three families:.Several species have venomous dorsal spines that protect them from humans and predators.Chimaeras are part of the subclass Holocephali, which is over 420 million years old.Chimaera use special electroreceptors on their snouts to help them sense prey.There are over 50 species of chimaera fish living in the ocean today.684 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz Think You Can? Take Our Brand New A-Z-Animals Fish Quiz Incredible Chimaera Facts!
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