Rattail

31 x 25cm (12 x 8 inches).

Macrurus leptolepis (Brazil)

This fascinating antique lithograph shows fish discovered during the Challenger Expedition of 1872-76. It is an original antique, was made in the late 1800s and is very good condition. The expedition was named after the mother ship, HMS Challenger and laid the foundation of deep sea research. The Royal Society of London obtained the use of Challenger from the Royal Navy and in 1872 modified the ship for scientific work. She traveled nearly 70,000 nautical miles (130,000 km). The expedition catalogued over 4,000 previously unknown species and discovered the famous "Challenger Deep" which is the deepest part of the world's oceans.