Squaliformes

Kitefin Shark

Dalatias licha

Back to species

Max Length

1.8m

Litter Size

10-16 pups

Overview

The largest known bioluminescent vertebrate on Earth, producing a blue-green glow along its belly. A deep-sea species found globally. Discovered to be bioluminescent only in 2021.

Habitat

They prefer deepwater between 121.4 to 5905.5 ft [37 to 1800 m], but mainly live over 656.2 ft [200 m] deep. They frequent warm-temperate and tropical outer continental and insular shelves and slopes, usually on or near the bottom.

Distribution

Worldwide

Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.

Behavior

They hover above the bottom (large oil-filled liver provides neutral buoyancy), and they swim well off the bottom. They are solitary hunters.

Biology

Diet: Mainly deepwater fishes, but may take bites out of large, live prey.
Reproduction: Ovoviviparous with 10-16 pups per litter

Appearance

Dorsal: Brown to blackish.

Dentition

Lower jaw: teeth are serrated.

Sources:sharksorg

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the kitefin shark dangerous to humans?

The kitefin shark is not considered dangerous to humans under normal conditions. There are few or no recorded incidents involving this species.

Where does this species data come from?

Species profiles are compiled from peer-reviewed taxonomy and published references. Incident data is sourced from the Global Shark Attack File and joined to species records by name match.

Back to species

Squaliformes

Kitefin Shark

Dalatias licha

Back to species

Max Length

1.8m

Litter Size

10-16 pups

Overview

The largest known bioluminescent vertebrate on Earth, producing a blue-green glow along its belly. A deep-sea species found globally. Discovered to be bioluminescent only in 2021.

Habitat

Distribution

Worldwide

Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.

Behavior

They hover above the bottom (large oil-filled liver provides neutral buoyancy), and they swim well off the bottom. They are solitary hunters.

Biology

Diet: Mainly deepwater fishes, but may take bites out of large, live prey.
Reproduction: Ovoviviparous with 10-16 pups per litter

Appearance

Dorsal: Brown to blackish.

Dentition

Lower jaw: teeth are serrated.

Sources:sharksorg

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the kitefin shark dangerous to humans?

The kitefin shark is not considered dangerous to humans under normal conditions. There are few or no recorded incidents involving this species.

Where does this species data come from?

Species profiles are compiled from peer-reviewed taxonomy and published references. Incident data is sourced from the Global Shark Attack File and joined to species records by name match.

Back to species