First ever footage shows pointy-nosed blue ratfish in its natural habitat

First ever footage shows pointy-nosed blue ratfish in its natural habitat

Video footage of Hydrolagus cf. trolli, the pointy-nosed blue ratfish, from the north-east Pacific ocean represents a range extension for the species and – for the first ever – the closest living relative of the shark can be seen alive, in its natural habitat. The species was originally described from specimens collected off New Caledonia in 2002. It was named in honour of Alaskan artist Ray Troll because of his fascination and appreciation for this strange group of fish known as chimaeras. Dec 19, 2016