Hydrolagus erithacus Walovich, Ebert & Kemper, 2017
Robin’s ghostshark

Family:  Chimaeridae (Shortnose chimaeras or ratfishes)
Max. size:  132.4 cm TL (male/unsexed); 144.2 cm TL (female)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 470 - 1000 m
Distribution:  Southeastern Atlantic and southwestern Indian oceans.
Diagnosis:  This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: bulky and relatively large head is followed by a stocky body; head and body height consistent from about pectoral fin origins to pelvic fin origins, until the insertion of the pelvic fins, tapering rapidly to filamentous tail; height of first dorsal fin spine about equal to or slightly less than first dorsal fin apex height; second dorsal fin up to 81% of total body length, uniform in height, and equal to dorsal caudal fin height; paired claspers trifurcate, forked for approximately 20% of total length with fleshy, bulbous tips; prepelvic tenaculae with 5-7 medial spines; robust frontal tenaculum, nearly uniform in width; color when preserved uniform black with no distinct markings (Ref. 116866).
Biology:  This species is likely to occur beyond 2,000 meters. Fragments of possible crab appendages recovered from a digestive tract indicate a diet of crustaceans and other benthic fauna (Ref. 116866).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 02 September 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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