A shocking sighting appeared off the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. A group of scientists have found a very rare baby ghost shark.
This creature was the discovery of scientists from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) on Tuesday (15/2) local time, while conducting a survey near Chatham Rise off the South Island.
Rare ghost sharks, also known as chimaeras, are relatives of sharks and stingrays, and are mainly found in very deep waters, which means they are rarely seen by humans.
However, as quoted from 7News, these scientists managed to find this newly hatched baby ghost shark at a depth of about 1200 meters and immortalized it.
Niwa fisheries scientist Dr Brit Finucci was part of the team that made the discovery, and said in a statement that it was a very rare and interesting discovery.
Examples of ghost shark egg capsules. Photo: Brit Finucci
"It can be said that this ghost shark has just hatched because its stomach is full of egg yolks, quite amazing," he said in amazement.
"Most deep -water ghost sharks known as neonate adult specimens are rarely reported so we know very little about them," he continued.
Dr Finucci added that the findings will help scientists to study rare deep -sea fish better.
"From the better studied chimaera species, we know that the adolescents and adults of these species can have different food and habitat needs," he said.
"Young sharks also look different from adults, having distinctive color patterns. Finding these ghost sharks will help us better understand the biology and ecology of this mysterious group of deep -water fish," he said.
Dr. Finucci said further research, testing, and genetic analysis are needed to determine the exact variety of things about this species.