There are around 26 species in this family. They have rounded snouts, no scales, and a large
dorsal
fin with a stiff poisonous spine. They are found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They swim by flapping their pectoral fins! They eat clams, fish, and crustaceans. Species include: the
Cuban chimaera, the
spotted ratfish, and, smalleyed rabbitfish or the Atlantic chimaera, and the
purple chimaera.
World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered
Critically Endangered Extinct in the Wild Extinct
Status taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status, or there is no status data for the species.
US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in NH Breeds in NH Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game
New Hampshire Species |
|
North/Central American Species |
Smalleyed Rabbitfish - Hydrolagus affinis |
|
Cuban Chimaera - Chimaera cubana
Gulf Chimaera - Hydrolagus alberti
White-spotted Ratfish - Hydrolagus colliei
Purple Ghostshark - Hydrolagus purpurescens |
Additional Information Resource Key
Profile Photos Video Audio
White-spotted Ratfish - Hydrolagus colliei
The white-spotted ratfish is found in the eastern Pacific Ocean from Alaska to Baja California
Source: Florida Museum of Natural History Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: High School
Smalleyed Rabbitfish - Hydrolagus affinis
In North America, the smalleyed rabbitfish is found in ocean waters from Cape Cod to Nova Scotia.
Source: Gulf of Maine Research Institute Intended Audience: General Reading Level: High School |