Goblin Shark

Life on Earth never ceases to amaze people who thrive on information about the living species that inhabit this beautiful planet. The goblin shark is a good example of one such living species that lives in the depths of the sea....a place which is shrouded with mystery and different kinds of living species! Here is more information about this shark.

What is the scientific classification of the goblin shark?

The goblin shark belongs to the kingdom animalia and the phylum chordate. It is from the mitsukurinidae family and genus mitsukurina.

Where are goblin sharks found?

Goblin sharks or mitsukurina owstoni are found deep in the ocean in the area where the sun’s light cannot reach. A large number of goblin sharks that have been caught were from Japan. These specimens have also been found in the waters off South Africa and various other sites that are located throughout the western Pacific Ocean. They have been found off the coasts of New Zealand and Australia too.

The Atlantic Ocean too has been part of this discovery, with goblin sharks been found in the western Atlantic area. The Gulf of Mexico is another area that has been part of this discovery!

How do I recognize a goblin shark?

A goblin shark is easy to recognize because it has a long beak that is shaped like a trowel. Apart from this feature, you can also recognize the goblin shark from the color of its body, which is mostly pink owing to the blood vessels that are located underneath a semi-transparent skin. These sharks do not possess a nictitating membrane, precaudal pit and keels. They have long and smooth edged front teeth while the teeth at the back are made is such a way that it assists them in crushing. Along with these features, the goblin shark has fins that are low and rounded, with the anal and pelvic fins larger than the dorsal. This shark lacks a ventral lobe.

How does the goblin shark find and devour its prey?

The goblin shark uses the electro sensing organs that are located in the rostrum or snout to hunt for its prey. When it does find a prey it protrudes its jaws and sucks the victim into its sharp front teeth using a tongue like muscle.

What does a goblin shark consume?

Studies conducted on the stomach contents on the goblin shark reveals that it preys on small bony fish, crabs and squid.

How do goblin sharks reproduce?

Unfortunately very little is known about the goblin sharks reproductive habits as a pregnant goblin shark has never been found or caught.

What is the role of the goblin shark in the ecosystem?

Apart from the fact that the goblin shark is a predator, very little is known about its role in the benthic community or mid-water.

What is the size of the goblin shark?

Various studies that have been conducted on the goblin shark suggest that it grows to be about 11 feet.