Unveiling the Enigma: Deep-Sea 'Hoofprints' and Their Elusive Origin

Mysterious 'hoofprints' discovered on the seafloor off the coast of New Zealand have been identified as bite marks made by deep-sea rattail fish, also known as grenadiers. The triangular-shaped markings match the snouts of these elusive fish, providing insight into their feeding habits. The divots in the imprints are likely bitemarks where the fish chomped down on the mud and sucked up prey. This discovery sheds light on the foraging behavior of rattail fish, which is rarely observed due to their extreme depths. The findings could help identify critical habitats and feeding zones for these deep-sea creatures.