So what is a Ghost Shark?

 

Ghost Sharks, also known as chimaeras or rabbitfish, are unique group of fish that are related to sharks and rays because of their cartilage skeleton, but look quite different. They have a long tapering body and large pectoral fins used to propel themselves through the water. Unlike the triangular, serrated teeth of sharks or the grinding tooth plates of ray and skates, ghost sharks have rabbit-like teeth used to crush their benthic invertebrate prey like crabs and worms.

Ghost Sharks were rarely encountered in the past, mostly due to the great depths at which they live. However as fisheries have moved to deeper waters and deep-sea research has gained interest, these fish are being encountered and described at higher rates than ever before. We know very little about these deep-sea creatures, in some cases something as simple as their name.