The Chimaera, known informally as the “ghost shark” or “rat fish”, is a deep sea cartilaginous fish in the order Chimaeriformes. Living at over 8,000 ft below the surface, the Chimaera is well adapted to the deep, dark sea. The dots on its nose are sensory organs that detect electrical fields in the water - helping the Chimera find its prey. While little is known about the Chimaera’s diet, it’s speculated that it feeds on molluscs and crustaceans that it crushes open with the grinding plates in its mouth. The spines on the top of its body are loaded with venom; the Chimaera uses these spines to defend itself.
(Source: gentlesharks)
