Family CHIMAERIDAE

Chimaeridae

© Copyright Ros Poole.

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Introduction

Commonly known as ghost sharks, shortnose chimaeras and ratfishes, members of the Chimaeridae have not been reviewed since Bigelow & Schroeder (1953) studied the North Atlantic species. Didier (1995) treated relationships of the family. However, generic concepts require further study (Last & Stevens 2009).

More than 20 benthic species in two genera are currently recognised from the shelf and slope waters of all oceans. Last & Stevens (1994; 2009) described and illustrated the ten Australian species from the two known genera.

Ghost sharks have a short, rounded snout and a long tapering tail. The dorsal spine is associated with a venom gland. Males have a small clasper on the forehead, in addition to the intromittent organ associated with the ventral fins. Recorded food items include both invertebrates and fishes. The maximum size exceeds 1 m if the caudal filament is included.

G. Hardy provided unpublished information and kindly reviewed this family account.

General References

Bigelow, H.B. & Schroeder, W.C. 1953. Chimaeroids. pp. 515-588, figs 118-127 in Parr, A.E. (ed.). Fishes of the western North Atlantic. Memoir. Sears Foundation of Marine Research 1(2): 1-599

Didier, D.A. 1995. Phylogenetic systematics of extant chimaeroid fishes (Holocephali, Chimaeroidei). American Museum Novitates 3119: 1-86

Last, P.R. & Stevens, J.D. 1994. Sharks and Rays of Australia. Canberra : CSIRO Australia 513 pp. 84 pls.

Last, P.R. & Stevens, J.D. 2009. Sharks and Rays of Australia. Collingwood : CSIRO Publishing Australia 2, 550 pp.

Common Name References

Last, P.R., Scott, E.O.G. & Talbot, F.H. 1983. Fishes of Tasmania. Hobart : Tasmanian Fisheries Development Authority 563 pp. figs. [168] (Ghost Sharks)

Last, P.R. & Stevens, J.D. 1994. Sharks and Rays of Australia. Canberra : CSIRO Australia 513 pp. 84 pls. [467] (Shortnose Chimaeras)

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