Spotted ratfish

Biology

The spotted ratfish is a cartilaginous fish, related to sharks and rays. It is abundant in cold waters, near the sea bottom, up to 1000 meters deep. Its skin is scaleless and its jaw blends into its skull. Unlike its closest relatives, it has an operculum covering a branchial chamber, which is a characteristic of the bony fish. Its first dorsal fin is erectile and has a thorn attached to a poison gland. The males have five modified fins with reproductive functions. One of these fins, on its head, enables it to hold the female while copulating. It feeds on other fish and invertebrates, despite having only six teeth.

Conservation

Potentially threatened by commercial fishing, whose activities impact the marine environment.

Curiosities

This fish is considered a living fossil and is still mysterious in many aspects. The spotted ratfish owes its family name – Chimaeridae, chimera – to the mythic monster, part lion, part goat and part dragon.