176 



UNDERWATER GUIDE TO MARINE LIFE 



in the sun with the upturned "horns" protruding from the water, at which times 

 it is easily approached. The word "manta" means "blanket" in Spanish. 



GHIMAERAS: Glass Chondrichthyes, Subclass Holocephali 



These very odd fishes are mostly found in the deep sea and have the long, 

 pointed tail that is characteristic of so many deep-sea fishes. The reason for this 

 is unknown. Chimaeras do not seem to use the tail much for propulsion, this 

 task mainly being the job of the flapping pectorals. Very commonly there are odd 

 appendages on the head of the male which may be of some unknown reproduc- 

 tive function. They have an operculum like bony fishes. Despite their preference 

 for deep waters, chimaeras do get into shallow water. The long dorsal spine is to 

 be avoided. It is poisonous and able to inflict a painful wound. 



CHIMAERAS: Family Chimaeridae 



RATFiSH (chimaera) : Hydrolagiis colliei 



Size: To 3 feet. 



Distribution: Northwest Alaska to Baja California. Fairly common in shallow 

 water in northern California and northward. 



Identification: The color is silvery with gold, blue, and green iridescent sheens. 



Hahits: The egg cases are unique. Very little is known of the habits. Presum- 

 ably, ratfishes eat invertebrates, as the chisellike front teeth and crushing back 

 teeth would indicate. 



Similar Species: The Atlantic chimaera, Chimaera affinis, reaches 3 feet and is 

 a deep-water fish of waters to the north of Cape Cod. 



E6S CASE 



Fig. 82. Ratfish. 



X^ 



