Abstract
Chimaeras, fish in the order Chimaeriformes, are among the rarest and least studied fish in the class Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish). Previous records have indicated that a species of chimaera known as the elephantfish, or cockfish, Callorhinchus callorynchus, may be found in marine waters off southeastern Brazil, as far north as the state of São Paulo. Here we report that C. callorynchus, caught with bottom gillnet, was found in an urban fish market in the city of Rio de Janeiro (~23˚S). This and other records from a variety of places call into question the distribution limits of the American elephantfish in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean and whether, at least seasonally, this species may often be found as far north as the state of Rio de Janeiro. Because of scientific and conservation interests in the poorly known Chimaeriformes, we recommend long-term monitoring of the fish catch in ports along the southern Brazilian coast, to better understand the natural history of the intriguing chimeras.
Highlights
Chimaeras (Order Chimaeriformes) are a group of poorly known, often strange-looking fish that tend to live in deep waters [1]
Previous records have indicated that a species of chimaera known as the elephantfish, or cockfish, Callorhinchus callorynchus, may be found in marine waters off southeastern Brazil, as far north as the state of São Paulo
In both cases (Recreio and Maricá), the fishes were soon eaten after being caught. These scattered records raised the question of the true distribution of the American elephantfish in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean
Summary
Chimaeras (Order Chimaeriformes) are a group of poorly known, often strange-looking fish (known as rabbitfish, ghost sharks and elephantfish) that tend to live in deep waters [1]. This order is getting a growing number of studies, with 22 new species that have been described in the past 25 years [2] [3]. In Brazil, all three families and four genera (Callorhinchus, Harriotta, Rhinochimaera, Hydrolagus) are known to occur [1] Records of these chimaeras are accidental and come from deep water fishing. Chimaeras natural history is poorly known and understanding the sustainability of this taxonomic group as a target for fishing is challenging [1]
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