Researchers were startled by the eerie sighting of a ghost shark in the depths off Thailand’s Andaman coast. The newly discovered species, named Chimaera supapae, features an intimidating head, large eyes, and uniquely delicate fins resembling feathers.

Ghost sharks, also known as chimeras, are ancient cartilaginous fish related to sharks and rays. A recent publication in the Raffles Bulletin of Zoology on March 6 introduced Chimaera supple as a new type of shortnose chimera. These creatures inhabit the dark ocean depths beyond 1,640 feet, where no sunlight reaches, along the oceanic ridges and continental slopes.

Their diet mainly consists of bottom-dwelling animals, such as crustaceans and mollusks. Chimaera supapae can grow up to 20 inches long and is distinguished by its wide pectoral fins that help it glide across the ocean floor.

This discovery was made near Thailand’s Andaman coast during a deep-sea exploration project in 2018, though the specimen was found dead. David Ebert, the study’s lead author, and director at the Pacific Shark Research Center, noted the rarity of chimeras in this area, marking this as the 54th known species globally.

Ebert emphasized the significance of such discoveries, shedding light on the ocean’s uncharted territories and the ancient lineage of chimeras, dating back hundreds of millions of years. This underscores how much of marine life remains unknown and the importance of continued exploration.

Picture courtesy of Andrew Black