Chimaera stellata


Chimaera stellata, the stellated chimaera, is a type of chimaera of the family Chimaeridae found exclusively in Okinawa Trough, East China Sea, from only one specimen.

Description

This chimaera species is distinguishable from its closest congener from several characteristics: stockier body, robust head, slightly concaved dorsal spine, teardrop-shaped pectoral fin, square-shaped anal fin with pale gray distal margin, darkish ventral surface, and walnut brown-colored body with lighter spots. The only specimen ever reported, which is a female, has a maximum total length of around.

Habitat and distribution

After its discovery, stellated chimaera has been believed to be an endemic in Japan, specifically around Okinawa, and there are still no details about its habitat depth.