Chimaeras, also known as ghost sharks, are deep-sea fish with a cartilaginous skeleton, long tapering bodies, and an eerie appearance. They inhabit deep ocean floors and have a unique lateral line system for detecting prey in dark waters. Notable for their rabbit-like faces and venomous dorsal spines.

Chimaeraformes, commonly known as chimaeras or ghost sharks, are primarily found in the deep ocean waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are distributed across several continental shelves and slopes, particularly in temperate marine environments.

Chimaeras typically inhabit deep-sea environments, usually at depths ranging from 200 to 2,600 meters (656 to 8,530 feet). They prefer cold water temperatures and are often found near the ocean floor on continental slopes and abyssal plains.

Chimaeras occupy a niche as benthic predators in the deep-sea ecosystem. They feed on invertebrates and small fish, using their specialized grinding tooth plates to crush hard-shelled prey. Their adaptation to deep-sea life includes reduced reliance on vision, favoring electroreception to detect prey.