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Published 16:12 18 Feb 2022 GMT
It's a cute little thing/Via Dr Brit Finucci[/caption]
The adult fish ranges between 60cm and 2m in length and comes equipped with a retractable penis on its head. These ancient fish have been around since the dinosaurs were about - but their elusive nature has often evaded in-depth research.
Fisheries expert, Dr Brit Finucci, posted the find on Twitter, which she believed to be a few days old. Finucci, who is currently with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), said you can tell the creature is young as it has a belly full of egg yolk.
Speaking to News.com.au, the scientist said: "It's quite astonishing. Most deepwater ghost sharks are known adult specimens. Neonates are infrequently reported so we know very little about them.
https://twitter.com/BritFinucci/status/1292937688413134848
"Finding this ghost shark will help us better understand the biology and ecology of this mysterious group of deepwater fish."
However, ghost sharks are not a singular species - instead, they're a family of similar animals known as chimaeras that possess skeletons made of cartilage.
The exact breed of Finucci's new friend is not yet known.
Speaking on Twitter, she said: "Just your regular annual Shark Week reminder that ghost sharks are just as great as all those other sharks."
[caption id="attachment_318085" align="alignnone" width="976"]
The adult fish is more impressive in size/Via Dr Brit Finucci[/caption]
Next steps include gathering measurements and samples of the animal, says Finucci - but don't worry - you won't be on this critter's meal plan as they tend to consume worms and molluscs on the seafloor.
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