Fin's Fish Guide
The Smallspine spookfish (Harriotta haeckeli) is a fish of the family Rhinochimaeridae that grows up to 75 cm.
Description
The smallspine spookfish is a long-nosed chimaera (Rhinochimaeridae) of the deep continental slope. The species grows to about 75 cm and has a smooth, scaleless, grey-brown body with a long, pointed, conical snout, large eyes and a long, thin tail whip. Before the first dorsal fin stands a stout spine with a mildly venomous groove. As a bottom-dweller it probes for molluscs and crustaceans with its snout. The spine can give a painful wound; handle with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smallspine spookfish?
The Smallspine spookfish is mainly brown. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Smallspine spookfish live?
The Smallspine spookfish is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Smallspine spookfish get?
The Smallspine spookfish grows to a maximum of about 75 cm.
Is the Smallspine spookfish dangerous to humans?
The Smallspine spookfish can cause injury; handle it with care. Handle the animal carefully; the stout dorsal spine can give a painful, mildly venomous puncture wound. Rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. For pain immerse the part in water as hot as can be tolerated, and check tetanus status for a deep wound or infection.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Rhinochimaeridae
Want the complete picture on the Smallspine spookfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smallspine spookfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.