September 27, 2024, 10:13 am | Read time: 3 minutes
For many, marine biology is one of the most exciting branches of science. This is because new species that were previously unknown are constantly being discovered. Even if some species, such as a new species of ghost shark, look more like they come from a horror movie set in the deep sea.
There are some sea creatures that you would rather not meet. These undoubtedly include the representatives of the long-nosed chimeras. These eerie-looking fish prefer to inhabit areas that are especially dark, cold, and inhospitable to humans. This is not the only reason why they are nicknamed “scary fish” or “ghost sharks.” Not only do they look scary, but very little is known about them. A recently discovered new species named Harriotta avia is expected to figuratively shed more light on the subject.
Deep sea less explored than the moon
There are areas of our planet about which we know less than we do about the moon. One of these is the deep sea and its inhabitants. Discoveries from the icy, dark depths of the ocean frequently capture headline attention. These are often frogfish or other strange-looking shark species that are still unknown to science.
This is also the case for Harriota avia. It has not been given a German name and is commonly referred to as the ghost shark. These close relatives of sharks and rays can be found at depths of up to 2600 meters and live near undersea mountains. Probably also because these areas are very difficult for humans to reach, little is known about the three species that have now been described.
Reaching a depth of 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) Turtle sets a new diving record
Up to 700 kg Six facts worth knowing about the world’s largest turtle
Ocelot, Manul, Kodkod, … Hardly anyone knows these 16 wild cats
Many mysteries surrounding the ghost shark still unresolved
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) in New Zealand reports in a press release on what has been discovered so far. For instance, ghost sharks do not possess scales but instead have smooth skin. In other deep-sea dwellers, this adaptation is thought to aid in pressure equalization within the frigid depths. At least, this is what researchers suspect in animals such as the “doomsday fish” or the leatherback turtle. Both are also exposed to high pressure when diving.
The three identified Harriota ghost shark species belong to the category of medium-sized predatory fish and can grow up to 100 centimeters in length. In addition to their large milky eyes, which are adapted to the darkness of the deep sea, their pointed nose is particularly striking. And especially in the newly discovered species, the whip-like, long tail – the purpose of which is not yet known to science. What is known about their diet so far is that it consists mainly of small crustaceans and molluscs1
“Ghost sharks like this one are largely confined to the seabed and live at depths of up to 2600 meters. Due to their deep-sea habitat, they present challenges for research and observation. This means we don’t know much about their biology or threat status, but that makes discoveries like this all the more exciting,” says NIWA fisheries scientist Brit Finucci in her ministry’s release.