African Chimaera

A relatively uncommon chimaera species, the African chimaera (Hydrolagus africanus) has a range off southern Africa - think Kenya down to South Africa. However... like many chimaera species, the true identity is a mystery. You see, there may actually be two species of Hydrolagus with overlapping ranges in this region; the second may be a new species or H. mirabilis. Scientists are currently trying to confirm the identification of chimaeroid species from southwestern Africa.

Small and brown in color, they are not targeted by commercial fisheries or used for human purposes in its range, however it is most likely taken in as bycatch. And... well, you guessed it. That's all we know about these animals, since it still has data that needs to be analyzed and taxonomic issues to have resolved. The IUCN has assessed these animals as Data Deficient (DD).

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GLOSSARY

• ​​Bycatch: The part of a fishery’s catch that is made up of non-target species. 
• Commercial fishery: The activity of catching fish and other seafood for profit.
• IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature.​​

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