Smooth Lanternshark
Etmopterus pusillus
- Group: Shark
- Typical depth: 0–1120 m
- Max size: 50 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
A small dark dogfish of continental slopes, it glows faintly thanks to light producing organs scattered over its skin. It hunts near the bottom and out in open water, taking fish eggs, lanternfish, squid and small dogfish, mostly between about 275 and 1,000 metres. Growing to only half a metre, it bears its young live.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Elasmobranchii › Squaliformes › Etmopteridae › Etmopterus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 105912.
FAQ
- How deep does the Smooth Lanternshark live?
- The Smooth Lanternshark (Etmopterus pusillus) is typically found at 0–1120 m.
- Is the Smooth Lanternshark dangerous to divers?
- The Smooth Lanternshark is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Smooth Lanternshark get?
- The Smooth Lanternshark grows to about 50 cm.