Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

Chimaeridae

Chimaeridae

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CAAB: 37042000

Family CHIMAERIDAE

Ghost Sharks, Ratfishes, Shortnose Chimaeras


Compiler and date details

17 April 2011 - John R. Paxton, Jennifer E. Gates, Dianne J. Bray & Douglass F. Hoese

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G. Hardy provided unpublished information and kindly reviewed this family account.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
16-Apr-2012 16-Apr-2012 MODIFIED
17-Mar-2010 MODIFIED