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Goblin Shark
Lamniformes

Goblin Shark

Mitsukurina owstoni

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Max Length

3.8m

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

Worldwide

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.

Biology

Diet
Possibly soft-bodied fishes and squid.

Appearance

Goblin Shark illustration
Dorsal
Pinkish-white.

Dentition

Upper jaw
Long-cusped, slender teeth.
Sources:sharksorg

Recorded incidents involving the goblin shark

Recorded

2

Fatal

0

Fatality rate

0.0%

Years

2008–2014

Top countries

Years with most incidents

Counts are based on the species field of the Global Shark Attack File. Identifications by witnesses are often uncertain; treat figures as recorded incidents, not authoritative totals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks have been recorded involving the goblin shark?
2 incidents in the Global Shark Attack File mention the goblin shark, of which 0 were fatal (0.0%). Note that witness species identifications are often uncertain, so this is the count of recorded incidents.
Where do most goblin shark incidents occur?
The countries with the most recorded goblin shark incidents are Japan.
Is the goblin shark dangerous to humans?
The goblin 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.
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