New Ghost Shark Species Discovered by NIWA

Scientists at New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) have discovered a new species of ghost shark, named Harriotta avia, in the Chatham Rise off the coast of New Zealand. This new species, also known as the Australasian Narrow-nosed Spookfish, is distinguished by its elongated snout, large milky-colored eyes, and chocolate-brown skin. Ghost sharks, or chimaeras, are a group of cartilaginous fish related to sharks and rays, primarily inhabiting deep ocean floors up to 2,600 meters. The discovery underscores how little is known about these elusive creatures due to their remote habitats. Dr. Brit Finucci, who named the species in honor of her grandmother, highlighted the challenges of studying these deep-sea dwellers and the excitement of such discoveries. This finding suggests that what was once considered a single globally distributed species may consist of several distinct species.