Bahamas ghost shark

​Is it any surprise that this rare chimaera we’re about to show you is assessed as “Data Deficient” (DD) by the IUCN? 

​​The Bahamas Ghost Shark (Chimaera bahamaensis) is only known from a single specimen that was collected east of Andros Island in the Bahamas, hence the common name. It used to be misidentified as Chimaera monstrosa, and possibly even Chimaera cubana. But the Bahamas Ghost Shark, which are caramel-colored, are much larger in body size than the other two and their caudal ventral margin ends only slightly posterior to the caudal dorsal margin.
Taken at a depth of 1,483–1,506 meters, scientists know nothing of its biology, ecology, or population size or structure. Like other chimaeras, it probably inhabits continental slopes and shelves. And since it is not caught in commercial fisheries (even deepwater ones), we literally have nothing else to say.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT THIS ANIMAL?

GLOSSARY

• IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature.

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