Welcome to my fish of th week page!!

A scalesless cartiliginous fish with a diverse order

chimaera have a fleshy operculum for protecting their gills, as well as an advanced network of lateral lines across their face and body for detecting movement for miles in the water

they live near the ocean floor at depths of 8,500 ft, preying on crabs, urchins, and other bottom dwellers.

Chimaera also have a venomous spine on the front of their dorsal fin. chimaera are solitary and not aggressive so stings are rare, but effects include blue skin, swelling, and burning sensations

There are more than 50 identified species of chimaera widespread across all oceans except for the Arctic

they r my favorites :)