Hydrolagus matallanasi
From Free net encyclopedia
{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Hydrolagus mattallanasi | image = Hydrolagus_mattallansi.jpg | image_width = 250px | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Chondrichthyes | ordo = Chimaeriformes | familia = Chimaeridae | genus = Hydrolagus | species = H. mattallanasi | binomial = Hydrolagus mattallanasi | binomial_authority = Soto, 2001 }}
Hydrolagus mattallanasi is a species of very rare deep-water chimaera that lives in the ocean at up to 600 meters deep. The species is 150 million years old. It was discovered in 2001 by a team of Brazilian scientists.
These 40-cm long fishes have an unusual appearance; they have wing-like side fins, a pointed back fin and a long whip-like tail. The fish can see in practically total darkness and sense electromagnetic radiation (outside of the visible spectrum) emitted by other marine creatures thanks to exposed nerves on the sides of its body.
The fish is named after Spanish scientist Jesus Matallanas.