Shortspine chimaera

The shortspine chimaera is similar to the other species in its genus, but of uniformly dark brown to black colour.[2] It has a robust body, and has a shorter spine than first dorsal fin. Although it has a similar range and appearance to the southern chimaera, the shortspine chimaera is darker in colour and smaller.[3] A maximum size of at least 95 cm total length (including tail) and 53 cm body length (excluding tail) in females has been reported.[1][4]

The shortspine chimaera is a subtropical species,[2] inhabiting the upper to mid continental slope on the east coast of Australia, at depths of around 450-1,080 m,[5] although it most commonly lives in waters deeper than 1,025 m. In particular, the species is found near Tuncurry, New South Wales; sightings have been reported in other spots on the east coast, from Ulladulla to Queensland, but it is probable that these are actually a different species.[1] It is not targeted commercially, and most fisheries trawl in waters shallower than where the species typically lives, so no conservation actions are currently taking place for the species; however, it may be a bycatch for deepwater fisheries. The exact population of the species is unknown, but is listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.[1]