New Species of Ghost Shark Identified in Costa Rican Waters, Scientists Confirm

Researchers have confirmed the discovery of a new species of ghost shark, or chimaera, in the waters off Costa Rica, according to a study published in the Journal of Fish Biology. The species, named Chimaera costaricensis, was identified through genetic analysis and morphological comparisons with known chimaera species, marking the first such discovery in Central America.

What is a Ghost Shark?

Ghost sharks, or chimaeras, are cartilaginous fish related to sharks and rays, characterized by their soft, leathery skin and elongated bodies. They inhabit deep waters and are rarely encountered by humans. Despite their name, they are not true sharks but belong to the order Chimaeriformes. The newly identified species was found at depths of approximately 1,200 meters off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, according to the study.

Discovery Details

The discovery was made by a team of marine biologists from the Universidad de Costa Rica and the Smithsonian Institution, who analyzed specimens collected during a 2022 deep-sea survey. Lead researcher Dr. Maria Fernanda Rojas stated, “The distinct genetic markers and physical traits, such as its unique dorsal fin structure, confirmed it as a previously unknown species.” The team collected 12 specimens, which were later verified through DNA sequencing.

Scientific Implications

The identification of Chimaera costaricensis highlights the biodiversity of Costa Rica’s marine ecosystems, which are among the most protected in the world. The country’s 2015 National Biodiversity Strategy emphasizes the importance of deep-sea research, and this discovery aligns with efforts to catalog species in its exclusive economic zone. However, scientists caution that deep-sea environments remain understudied, with many species yet to be documented.

What’s Next for Research?

Further studies are underway to determine the species’ habitat range and ecological role. Conservationists are also urging increased protection for deep-sea habitats, which face threats from bottom trawling and climate change. “This finding underscores the need for stronger marine conservation policies,” said Dr. Rojas. The study’s authors plan to collaborate with international agencies to assess the species’ conservation status.

Why This Matters

The discovery adds to a growing body of evidence that tropical marine regions harbor significant, unexplored biodiversity. A 2021 report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) noted that over 80% of the world’s ocean remains unmapped, unobserved, or unexplored. The identification of Chimaera costaricensis could also inform future research on deep-sea adaptation and evolutionary biology.

Comparison With Similar Species

Genetic analysis revealed that Chimaera costaricensis is most closely related to Chimaera monstrosa, a species found in the Atlantic. However, it differs in scale patterns and reproductive anatomy. Researchers noted that its discovery in the Pacific challenges previous assumptions about the distribution of chimaera species, which were thought to be more geographically isolated.