Southern chimera facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Southern chimera |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Chimaera
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| Species: |
fulva
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The southern chimaera (Chimaera fulva) is a fascinating type of deep-sea fish. It belongs to a group of fish called chimaeras, which are sometimes known as "ghost sharks" because of their unique look. This species lives deep in the ocean off the coast of Australia. It usually swims in waters that are 780 to 1095 meters (about 2,500 to 3,600 feet) deep. The southern chimaera can grow quite large, reaching lengths of at least 100 centimeters (about 3.3 feet). It can sometimes be mistaken for a similar fish called the shortspine chimaera.
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What Does It Look Like?
The southern chimaera has a distinct appearance. Male southern chimaeras can grow up to 100 centimeters (about 3.3 feet) long. Females can be even bigger, reaching nearly 119 centimeters (about 3.9 feet). Their bodies can be a pretty silver-pink color or a light brown.
One interesting feature is their short spine on their back. Male southern chimaeras also have special parts called claspers. These claspers have small bristles at their ends. People sometimes confuse the southern chimaera with the shortspine chimaera. However, you can tell them apart because the southern chimaera is usually lighter in color.
Where Does It Live and What Does It Do?
The southern chimaera is a deep-sea fish that lives near the ocean floor. It prefers very deep waters, typically between 780 and 1095 meters down. Sometimes, though, it can be found in slightly shallower areas.
When it comes to having babies, the southern chimaera is an oviparous species. This means that the females lay eggs, rather than giving birth to live young.
Where Can You Find It?
You can find the southern chimaera in the waters off Australia. It lives along the coast from New South Wales in the east all the way to Western Australia. This fish makes its home in parts of the southwest Pacific Ocean and the eastern Indian Ocean.
Even though it's not super common, the number of southern chimaeras seems to be steady right now. Scientists don't know the exact total number of these fish in the ocean.
Protecting the Southern Chimaera
Sometimes, the southern chimaera gets caught by accident by fishing boats. This happens in fisheries in southern Australia. For example, a fishing group called the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery catches about 12 tonnes (about 26,000 pounds) of these fish each year by mistake.
Despite this, there are no special plans in place right now to protect the southern chimaera. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists this species as being of Least Concern. This means they believe the species is not currently at high risk of disappearing.
