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Order Summary for Chimaeriformes
Main Ref.:	Nelson, J.S., 1994
Order:	Chimaeriformes    chimaeras
Class:	Holocephali (chimaeras)
Sister Order:	Hexanchiformes     400 M years
Ref.:	Carroll, R., 1988     Helfman, G., B. Collette and D. Facey, 1997
First fossil record:	early Devonian
Occurs in:	Marine      Freshwater      Brackish
Remarks:	Dentition consisting of a few large permanent grinding tooth plates; palatoquadrate fused to neurocranium. Two dorsal fins, the first erectile, with short base, and preceded by an erectile spine, the second nonerectile, low, and with a long base; mouth inferior. Internal fertilization; eggs encased in a brown horny capsule. Water for breathing is chiefly taken in through the nostrils. Maximum length about 1.5 m.
Class etymology:	Greek holos = whole + Greek kephale = head. Ref. 45335.
Order etymology:	Latin, chimaera = monster. 1634 + Latin, forma = shape. Ref. 45335.
Families:	3 Callorhinchidae , Chimaeridae , Rhinochimaeridae

Identification keys | Tree of Life

Ref.:   ( e.g. 9948)
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Page created by: Eli, 17.10.00, last modified by Eli, 15.02.05.