New Species of Dragonfish Discovered near New Zealand: Exciting Find

new zealand - Scientists in New Zealand have identified a new species of dragonfish capable of hunting in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Researchers in New Zealand have identified a new species of dragonfish capable of hunting in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean. The slimy-head dragonfish was discovered on Chatham Rise, an area in the Pacific Ocean extending over a thousand kilometers east of New Zealand, according to a team from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) in Wellington.

Dragonfish are relatives of sharks and rays, with a cartilaginous skeleton. They inhabit depths of 2,600 meters and feed on crustaceans. 'Dragonfish like these live at the bottom of the ocean,' explained researcher Brit Finucci. 'This makes them difficult to study and monitor, and we know little about their life cycle or classification as endangered species. That makes discoveries like this all the more exciting.'

The scientist named the species Harriotta avia as a tribute to her grandmother. 'Avia means grandmother in Latin. I wanted to reference her because she supported me during my career as a scientist. Dragonfish are also quite ancient relatives, the grandmothers and grandfathers of the fish, so I found the name fitting,' she explained.

Previously, scientists believed the species to be part of a globally distributed species, until research showed that it genetically and morphologically differs from its cousins, Niwa stated.