The Australian ghostshark (Callorhinchus milii) is a cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes) belonging to the subclass Holocephali (chimaera). Sharks, rays and skates are the other members of the cartilaginous fish group and are grouped under the subclass Elasmobranchii. Alternative names include elephant shark, makorepe (in Māori), whitefish, plough-nose chimaera, or elephant fish. Ghost sharks have long tapering bodies and incredibly large heads. Their skin ranges in color from black to pale blue to brownish grey and is quite smooth. They have large eyes, oversized nostrils, and large, visible teeth, which give them a rabbit-like appearance, though within their mouths are three tooth plates. It is found off southern Australia, including Tasmania, and south of East Cape and Kaipara Harbour in New Zealand, at depths of 0–200 m (0–656 ft). Their diet primarily consists of shellfish, mollusks, and worms that live on or under the seafloor. Their dental plates help them catch, crush, and swallow their prey. Predators of the ghost shark include larger fish including sharks. Parasites of the ghost shark include the monogenean Callorhynchicola multitesticulatus as reported from a specimen caught in the waters off the eastern coast of New Zealand. Males reach maturity at 2-3 years of age, corresponding to 19.7 inches (50 cm) total length, while females mature at 4-6 years of age and 27.6 inches (70 cm) total length. The lifespan of the ghost shark is approximately 15 years. The ghost shark is oviparous. Two keratinous egg cases are released during the spring months onto sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow water. The egg cases measure up to 25 cm in length and 10 cm in width and are golden yellow in color. Despite several of its names, it is not a shark, but a member of a closely related group.
