Goblin Shark

Overview

Deep-sea species characterized by a distinctive elongated rostrum and highly protrusible jaws that shoot forward to engulf prey. Bioluminescent and rarely observed alive. Represents the oldest living shark lineage.

Habitat

These sharks prefer deepwater, outer continental shelves, upper slopes and off seamounts. They very rarely surface, and usually remain at depths of 885.8 to 3149.6 ft [270 to 960 m], to at least 4265.1 ft [1300 m].

Distribution

Very patchy distribution in the Atlantic, western Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Behavior

This shark’s body form suggests that it is a poor swimmer. Its blade-like snout may be used to detect prey, and its highly specialized jaws can shoot forward rapidly to snap up prey. Its slender front teeth suggest a diet of small, soft-bodied fishes and squid, but its back teeth are modified to crush food.