Rhinochimaeridae Temporal range:
| |
---|---|
Narrownose chimaera (Harriotta raleighana) | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Chondrichthyes |
Subclass: | Holocephali |
Order: | Chimaeriformes |
Family: |
Rhinochimaeridae Garman, 1901 |
Genera | |
The Rhinochimaeridae, commonly known as long-nosed chimaeras, [1] are a family of cartilaginous fish. They are similar in form and habits to other chimaeras, but have an exceptionally long conical or paddle-shaped snout. [2] The snout has numerous sensory nerve endings, and is used to find food such as small fish. [3] The first dorsal fin includes a mildly venomous spine, used in defense. [4]
Long-nosed chimaeras are found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide, from 200 to 2,000 m (660 to 6,560 ft) in depth. [4] In August 2020, a long-nosed chimaera was brought up from 460 fathoms (2,760 ft; 840 m) off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. [5]
They range from 60 to 140 cm (2.0 to 4.6 ft) in maximum total length, depending on species.
The eight known species are in three genera: [4]
Family Rhinochimaeridae