Chimaeriformes
Sign in to saveChimaeras are cartilaginous fish in the order Chimaeriformes (), known informally as ghost sharks, rat fish (not to be confused with rattails), spookfish, or rabbit fish; the last two names are also applied, respectively, to the ray-finned fish groups of Opisthoproctidae and Siganidae.
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Chimaeriformes is an order of cartilaginous fish commonly called ghost sharks, rat fish, spookfish, or rabbit fish, though some of these names are also used for unrelated ray-finned fish groups. These unusual deep-sea creatures are scientifically important as members of the cartilaginous fish lineage, which also includes sharks and rays, helping us understand the diversity of this ancient fish group.
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Wikidata facts
- Instance of
- taxon
- Parent taxon
- Holocephali
- Image
- Hydrolagus02 600.jpg
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- P105
- order
Article
11 sectionsContents
- Anatomy
- Behavior
- Diet
- Reproduction
- Parasites
- Conservation and threats
- Classification
- Evolution
- Taxonomy
- See also
- References
Chimaeras are cartilaginous fish in the order Chimaeriformes (), known informally as ghost sharks, rat fish (not to be confused with rattails), spookfish, or rabbit fish; the last two names are also applied, respectively, to the ray-finned fish groups of Opisthoproctidae and Siganidae.
At one time a "diverse and abundant" group (based on the fossil record), their closest living relatives are sharks and rays, though their last common ancestor with them lived nearly 400 million years ago. Living species (aside from plough-nose chimaeras) are largely confined to deep water.