Unveiling the Enigmatic Ghost Shark: Deep-Sea Secrets Revealed
A team of researchers from the University of Florida and the Seattle Aquarium are using Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles (ROVs) to investigate the breeding habitats and embryonic development of ghost sharks, also known as chimaeras. Ghost sharks are one of the most enigmatic and understudied groups of fishes, related to sharks and rays but separated by nearly 400 million years of evolution. By locating their embryos, scientists hope to learn about the unique morphologies and biological characteristics of these deep-sea creatures. The expedition aims to uncover secrets about the origins of teeth, which could have implications for regrowing human teeth. The research is supported by a National Science Foundation grant and aims to strengthen conservation efforts for these charismatic species.