| Chimaeridae Temporal range: Oligocene–Recent [1] |
|
|---|---|
| Narrownose chimaera (Harriotta raleighana) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Chondrichthyes |
| Order: | Chimaeriformes |
| Family: | Rhinochimaeridae Garman, 1901 |
| Genera | |
Rhinochimaeridae, commonly known as long-nosed chimaeras, is 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. The snout has numerous sensory nerve endings, and is used to find food such as small fish.[2] The first dorsal fin includes a mildly poisonous spine, used in defence.[1]
Long-nosed chimaeras are found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide, from 200 to 2,000 metres (660 to 6,600 ft) depth.[1] They range from 60 to 140 centimetres (2.0 to 4.6 ft) in maximum total length, depending on species.
There are eight known species, in three genera:[1]
Family Rhinochimaeridae