Rhinochimaeridae


The Rhinochimaeridae, commonly known as long-nosed chimaeras,[2] are a family of cartilaginous fish. They are similar in form and habits to other chimaeras, but have an exceptionally long conical or paddle-shaped snout.[3] The snout has numerous sensory nerve endings, and is used to find food such as small fish.[4] The first dorsal fin includes a mildly venomous spine, used in defense.[1]

Long-nosed chimaeras are found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide, from 200 to 2,000 m (660 to 6,560 ft) in depth.[1] In August 2020, a long-nosed chimaera was brought up from 460 fathoms (2,760 ft; 840 m) off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland.[5]


Rhinochimaeridae in the Gulf of Mexico at roughly 4300 ft deep
Pacific longnose chimaera, Harriotta raleighana