Scientists at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) in New Zealand have discovered a newborn ghost shark at a depth of over 1,200 meters, near the South Island of New Zealand. This is an important discovery for researchers as ghost sharks are incredibly mysterious creatures that are rarely observed directly.
Ghost sharks, scientifically known as “Chimaera”, are among the most enigmatic and rare species in the ocean. Although they are related to sharks and rays, ghost sharks diverged from this lineage approximately 300 million years ago and are descendants of a common ancestor that lived nearly 400 million years ago.
Newborn ghost shark discovered at a depth of 1,200 m (Photo: Brit Finucci).
Unique Biological Characteristics, Nearly Adult Size
With a soft, elongated body and a distinctive head filled with sensory cells, ghost sharks possess wing-like fins that help them maneuver gracefully in the water. Notably, they have sensitive sensors on their heads that allow them to detect prey through the movement of water currents.
Ghost sharks can reach up to 1.5 meters in length when fully grown. Their skin is smooth, devoid of scales, and they typically lack swim bladders for buoyancy control. For defense, they have a venomous spine located on their dorsal fin, which helps deter predators as they swim through the water.
Ghost sharks primarily inhabit deep water layers, descending as far as 2,600 meters. They are usually not found below 200 meters, making research on this species particularly challenging. Contrary to the fearsome image associated with their name, ghost sharks mainly feed on mollusks and small organisms rather than hunting larger animals.
According to scientists from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, female ghost sharks can store sperm from males for future use. Research shows that female ghost sharks possess two uteri, two ovaries, and two oviducts, similar to other shark species. However, male ghost sharks have a unique reproductive organ that can retract on their foreheads. Additionally, the male’s reproductive organ has hooks to help grip the female during mating.
The habitat of ghost sharks lies deep at the ocean floor, making research and monitoring them quite difficult.
The Most Mysterious Species of the Ocean
During a deep-sea survey conducted by NIWA, a newborn ghost shark became entangled in the research team’s nets at a depth of over 1,000 meters. This individual appeared to be made of gelatin, featuring a pointed head and large, dark eyes. Experts determined that the newborn ghost shark was still in the hatching phase as its belly was filled with yolk, similar to many other species of sharks and rays.
According to Brit Finucci, a member of the NIWA research team, it is rare for scientists to observe a juvenile ghost shark. This discovery opens up many research opportunities regarding the developmental stages of this species, enhancing knowledge beyond what has been learned from adult specimens.
This finding not only sheds light on the biological characteristics of ghost sharks but also helps scientists delve deeper into the species’ developmental process from juvenile to adulthood. The research will focus on comparing the color, size, and feeding habits of ghost sharks at each developmental stage. This information could help shape new understandings of this elusive species that is very difficult to access and study.
Ghost sharks predominantly inhabit the deep waters of temperate oceans. This makes researching and observing them exceptionally challenging, with many species still not fully understood. Previously, scientists believed that ghost sharks were a single species distributed throughout the ocean. However, subsequent research has revealed that there are several genetically and morphologically distinct species of ghost sharks.
Male ghost shark (top) and female ghost shark (bottom).
Finucci shared that the habitat of ghost sharks is a key factor making it difficult to gather information about them. This mystery adds to the allure of each new discovery related to this rare species.
The discovery of the newborn ghost shark in the deep waters of New Zealand has opened a new avenue for research on this species. From understanding biological characteristics to studying their developmental processes, the information obtained will further illuminate the lives of organisms residing in the ocean’s depths—a world full of mystery and under-explored.
In the future, scientists hope for more research opportunities to better understand the ecological characteristics and habitats of ghost sharks, which will help protect and preserve the existence of this unique species within the marine ecosystem.
