Facts About the Goblin Shark

While there are over 400 different species of sharks, one of the most unique ones without a doubt is the Goblin shark. Learn more about this rare shark that rarely sees the light of day or crosses paths with humans.

Anatomy

There are two physical traits that make the Goblin shark stick out more than others. First the shark has an elongated and flattened snout at the end of its rather long head, giving it a rather unique and bizarre image. The second trait is the pinkish hue of their skin, a result of their blood vessels underneath their semi-transparent skin.

On average the Goblin shark can grow up to 11 feet and weigh around 350 pounds, which is three times as large as the typical shark. The largest shark on recorded reached a length of 12.6 feet and weighed 463 pounds.

Location

The majority of the Goblin sharks studied by scientists have resided in deep waters, ranging from 850 to 3,100 feet, along slopes, continental shelves, and off seamounts.

This deep sea dwelling shark species has been found widespread around the globe and has been seen every where, from Japan to France, even California.

Feeding Habits

Since the Goblin shark lives in deep waters where there is a lack of light, they need to rely upon sensing their prey by using electro-sensitive organs that can be found in their snout.

Based on the anatomy of their jaw and their size of their teeth, scientists have determined that the Goblin shark feed on squid, octopus, shrimp, fish, and crabs.

Reproduction

When it comes to the reproduction habits of the Goblin shark, researchers have uncovered very little information. While scientists believe they reproduce similar to other sharks, where the embryo develops inside eggs located inside the mother's body until they are ready to be hatched.

There have been recorded instances where a mature Goblin shark has been found along the east coast of Honshu, Japan during the spring. This information could possibly be related to their reproduction pattern.

While there is little or no interest in the Goblin shark by commercial fisherman, they are the ones who tend to catch this unique species when they are deep sea fishing.

Due to their reclusive nature and lack of interaction with humans, the International Union of Conservation of Nature has the Goblin shark on its Least Concern list which indicates there presently little or no chance for the extinction of the species.

Resources

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu

http://www.iucn.org/