Scientific Name
Hydrolagus melanophasma
Common Name
Eastern Pacific Black Ghostshark
Biology
A species of the genus Hydrolagus based on the absence of an anal fin. Hydrolagus
melanophasma sp. nov. is distinguished from other chimaeroids by a blunt snout with minimal sloping from the orbit to the snout tip, a large slightly curved dorsal fin spine extending beyond first dorsal fin apex, and a long second dorsal fin of uniform height throughout. The pectoral fins are large, reaching beyond the pelvic fin insertion when laid flat, trifid claspers forked for 27?27.8% of the total clasper length and the preopercular and oral lateral line canals branch separately or together from the infraorbital canal. Coloration after preservation is a uniform black with no distinct mottling or markings.