Holocephali (chimaeras) >
Chimaeriformes (Chimaeras) >
Chimaeridae (Shortnose chimaeras or ratfishes)
Etymology: Chimaera: Named for the mythological creature composed of parts of multiple animals, referring to their odd mix of characteristics (See ETYFish); panthera: Latin for panther, referring to leopard-like pattern of spots and markings on body (See ETYFish).
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 327 - 1020 m (Ref. 27954). Deep-water
Southwest Pacific: off northern New Zealand.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 129 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 27954); 102.0 cm TL (female)
Oviparous (Ref. 205). Eggs are encased in horny shells (Ref. 205).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Didier, D.A., 1998. The leopard Chimaera, a new species of chimaeroid fish from New Zealand (Holocephali, Chimaeriformes, Chimaerida). Ichthyol. Res. 45(3):281-289. (Ref. 27954)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Tools
Special reports
Download XML
Internet sources