Chimaerid

/kaɪˈmɪərɪd/ noun

Definition

Any fish of the family Chimaeridae, a group of cartilaginous fish related to sharks and rays, characterized by a ratfish-like appearance and a venomous spine.

Etymology

From Chimaera (the mythological creature) plus -id (member of). These fish were named for their grotesque, chimera-like appearance by early ichthyologists.

Kelly Says

Chimaerid fish have venom spines, a venomous history going back 300 million years, and they live so deep in the ocean that they're rarely seen—it's like the ocean's actual monsters that inspired the mythology!

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