AI Insight
Costa Rican scientists have potentially identified a new species of ghost shark (chimaera) in Pacific waters near Cabo Blanco and Cano Island. Ghost sharks are cartilaginous fish related to sharks and rays but belonging to a distinct subclass called Chimaeriformes. The discovery was made in Costa Rican Pacific waters, though further analysis and formal taxonomic description will be required to confirm the species as new to science.
Why it matters
This discovery would contribute to our understanding of marine biodiversity in Central American Pacific waters, a region that may harbor additional undescribed species. Ghost sharks inhabit deep waters and are relatively poorly studied, so new species discoveries help fill knowledge gaps about deep-sea ecosystems and their conservation needs.
Understand the Science
Costa Rican scientists may have discovered a new species of ghost shark in Pacific waters near Cabo Blanco and Cano Island.
Source: New species of ghost shark may have been found in Costa Rica