long-nosed chimera

The long-nosed chimera is a type of cartilaginous fish related to sharks and rays. These fish, belonging to the subclass Holocephali, have cartilaginous skeletons and a single external gill opening on each side of their body, covered by a flap. They are characterized by a tapered body, large fins, large eyes, and a slender tail.1

There are approximately 47 species of chimaeras, with the long-nosed chimera (family Rhinochimaeridae) distinguished by its extended, pointed snout. These fish inhabit temperate to cold waters worldwide, found from coastal areas to depths of over 2,500 meters. They feed on small fish and invertebrates and lay large, protected eggs. Chimaeras are edible and were historically used for their liver oil.1