| Family: |
Chimaeridae (Shortnose chimaeras or ratfishes) |
| Max. size: |
142 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
bathydemersal; marine; depth range 400 - 1800 m |
| Distribution: |
Pacific: New Zealand and Tasmania. Commonly collected from the fishing grounds of the Tasman Rise, Hikurangi Trough, Challenger Plateau, and Lord Howe Rise. |
| Diagnosis: |
Purplish color. Massive head with blunt snout. Preopercular and oral lateral line canals sharing a common branch. Males with bifurcated claspers, divided for the distal 1/3 of length, purple at the base with white fleshy tips. Skin firm and not deciduous. |
| Biology: |
Males and females reach sexual maturity at 60-70 cm BDL (usually 100 cm TL) (Ref. 45044). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Eggs are encased in horny shells (Ref. 205). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 February 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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