This is the mysterious Hydrolagus trolli, also known as the pointy-nosed blue ratfish or ghost shark. The Northeast Pacific ocean footage is a first in observing a living Hydrolagus trolli in the Northern Hemisphere. A relative of sharks and rays, it was filmed by MBARI in 2009 and has only recently been identified with some certainty.
The team from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Center had sent a remote operated vehicle down to depths of 2,000 metres (6,700ft) when the creature appeared on their screens.
Also known as chimaeras, the creatures are related to sharks and rays. But unlike their namesakes, ghost sharks have tooth plates instead of teeth and open channels on their heads and faces that give them the appearance of having been stitched together like a rag doll.
There’s more to read at National Geographic. Related videos on this site: The Rhinochimera and the elusive Black Seadevil Anglerfish.
via The Guardian.
This Webby award-winning video collection exists to help teachers, librarians, and families spark kid wonder and curiosity. TKSST features smarter, more meaningful content than what's usually served up by YouTube's algorithms, and amplifies the creators who make that content.
Curated, kid-friendly, independently-published. Support this mission by becoming a sustaining member today.