Goblin Shark

Average size between 200 cm and 300 cm, maximum total length 350 cm. An unmistakable shark with a flat, bladelike, elongated snout and very small eyes. Very long-cusped teeth in long, protrusible jaws. No nictitating membrane. Small dorsal fins, low and rounded. Anal fin is larger than dorsal fins. Pectoral fins small. Pelvic fins large, bigger than dorsal fins. No precaudal pit, no keels. Display a pinkish-white colour with bluish fins. Dead specimen turn brownish.

Little-known species. Lives in deeper water, down to 1200 m, close to bottom. Inhabits outer shelf and upper slope areas. Goblin sharks hunt by sensing the presence of prey with electro-sensitive organs in the rostrum, or snout, due to the absence of light in the deep waters where it swims. Once a shark finds its prey, it suddenly protrudes its jaws, while using a tongue-like muscle to suck the victim into its sharp front teeth. Feeds on fishes, cephalopods and crustaceans.

Next to nothing is known of the goblin shark's reproductive habits. Even though a pregnant goblin shark has never been caught or found, as members of the order Lamniformes, they are assumed to be ovoviviparous; their eggs mature and hatch inside the mother's body and the shark gives birth to live young.

Appearance

Biology

Reproduction