Black Ghostshark, Hydrolagus homonycteris Didier 2008


Other Names: Black Chimaera, Black Ghostshark

Hydrolagus homonycteris. Source: CSIRO National Fish Collection. License: Cc BY Attribution

Summary:
A relatively large dark brownish black ghostshark with highly deciduous skin, distinctly rounded pelvic fins and a large dorsal-fin spine.  Males have slender, relatively short trifurcated claspers with small bristle patches.

Cite this page as:
Matt B. Reardon & Dianne J. Bray, Hydrolagus homonycteris in Fishes of Australia, accessed 19 Apr 2024, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/Home/species/2665

Black Ghostshark, Hydrolagus homonycteris Didier 2008

More Info


Distribution

Known from the continental slope and seamounts off southeastern Australia from southern New South Wales to Victoria, including Tasmania and Lord Howe Island, in depths of 870-1450 m. Also in New Zealand.

Size

To at least 1085 mm TL, and 667 mm BDL (body length - excluding the tail). Males and females probably attain maturity as a length greater than 850 mm TL.

Conservation

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Not Evaluated.EPBC Act: Not listed

Etymology

The species name homonycteris is from the Latin homo meaning "man" and nycteris meaning "bat", in honour of Thomas A. Griffiths, Professor of Biology at Illinois Wesleyan University, an expert on bat systematics and known affectionately as the “bat man” to his students.

Author

Matt B. Reardon & Dianne J. Bray

Resources

CAAB Codes for Australian Aquatic Biota

Black Ghostshark, Hydrolagus homonycteris Didier 2008

References


Didier, D.A. 2008. Two new species of the genus Hydrolagus Gill (Holocephali: Chimaeridae) from Australia. 349-356. In Last, P.R., White, W.T. & Pogonoski, J.J. (eds). Descriptions of new Australian chondrichthyans. CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research Paper No. 022: 1-358 [350].

Gomon, M.F. 2008. Families Dasyatidae, Myliobatidae, Chimaeridae, Callorhinchidae, Rhinochimaeridae. 138-149 pp. in Gomon. M.F., Bray, D.J. & Kuiter, R.H (eds). Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Sydney : Reed New Holland 928 pp. [145] (as Hydrolagus sp.)

Last, P.R. & Stevens, J.D. 1994. Sharks and Rays of Australia. Canberra : CSIRO Australia 513 pp. 84 pls [475] (as Hydrolagus sp. A)

Last, P.R. & Stevens, J.D. 2009. Sharks and Rays of Australia. Collingwood : CSIRO Publishing Australia 2, 550 pp. [494]

Quick Facts


CAAB Code:37042010

Biology:Egg layer

Conservation:IUCN Data Deficient

Danger:Dorsal spine

Depth:870-1450 m

Fishing:By-catch

Habitat:Continental slope & seamounts

Max Size:109 cm TL

Species Image Gallery

Species Maps

CAAB distribution map