Chimaeridae
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Chimaeridae, also known as chimaeras or ratfish, are a family of cartilaginous fish related to sharks and rays. They belong to the subclass Holocephali and are distinguished by having a single external gill opening on each side of their body, covered by a flap. Male chimaeras possess claspers for reproduction and a unique supplemental organ called a tentaculum.12
These fish have a tapered body, large fins, large eyes, and two dorsal fins, the first of which is preceded by a spine. They are found in temperate to cold waters worldwide, inhabiting depths from rivers to over 2,500 meters. Chimaeras feed on small fish and invertebrates and lay large, protected eggs. The family Chimaeridae is characterized by a rounded or cone-shaped snout.1
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chimaera…are placed in three families: Chimaeridae (including the species called rabbit fish), characterized by a rounded or cone-shaped snout; Callorhinchidae (elephant fishes), with an unusual, hoe-shaped, flexible snout; and Rhinochimaeridae (long-nosed chimaeras), with an extended, pointed snout.
Read More…are placed in three families: Chimaeridae (including the species called rabbit fish), characterized by a rounded or cone-shaped snout; Callorhinchidae (elephant fishes), with an unusual, hoe-shaped, flexible snout; and Rhinochimaeridae (long-nosed chimaeras), with an extended, pointed snout.
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chondrichthyanRaysChimaeras and ghost sharks (Chimaeridae) dwell near the bottom in coastal and deep waters, to depths of at least 2,500 metres (about 8,000 feet). They are active at night, feeding almost exclusively on small invertebrates and fishes.
Read MoreChimaeras and ghost sharks (Chimaeridae) dwell near the bottom in coastal and deep waters, to depths of at least 2,500 metres (about 8,000 feet). They are active at night, feeding almost exclusively on small invertebrates and fishes.
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