Hydrolagus melanophasma, a new species of Chimaera, has been identified from specimens seen and collected in Baja California, Mexico and the Gulf of California. Hydrolagus species are one of two genera that make up the Chimaera (Chimaeridae) family. It differs from the Chimaera genus, which have a true anal fin, whereas Hydrolagus spp. do not. It stands out from [...]
Hydrolagus melanophasma, a new species of Chimaera, has been identified from specimens seen and collected in Baja California, Mexico and the Gulf of California. Hydrolagus species are one of two genera that make up the Chimaera (Chimaeridae) family. It differs from the Chimaera genus, which have a true anal fin, whereas Hydrolagus spp. do not.
It stands out from all Chimaeridae with its dark, near jet-black coloration and a unique appendage on its head that is being called a tentaculum. It is believed to be used in mating, but we really do not know. Doug Long from the California Academy of Science briefly spoke about the unique forehead appedange:
“They have this club on the top of their head with spikes. People think it’s used for mating. It’s like a little mace with little spikes and hooks and it fits into their forehead. It’s jointed and it comes out. We’re not sure if it is used to stimulate the female or hold the female closer.”
See more on Hydrolagus melanophasma in the September issue of Zootaxa.
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