Goblin Shark Characteristics
The goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) is a fascinating deep-sea fish with both an unusual appearance and a set of remarkable physical adaptations.
As the sole survivor of the family Mitsukurinidae, this shark species is often referred to as a living fossil, due to the ancient lineage that dates back around 125 million years.
Goblin sharks have a soft and flabby body, which contributes to their somewhat lethargic nature in the deep-sea environment.
Their coloration is typically a pinkish-gray, with the hue coming from visible blood vessels beneath a semi-transparent skin.
Notably, they range in weight but can grow up to 460 pounds.
One of the most distinctive features of the goblin shark is the elongated snout, known as a rostrum.
The peculiar shape of the snout is not simply for show—it’s packed with sensory organs called the ampullae of Lorenzini which allows the shark to detect electric fields produced by other fishes, a key adaptation for a predator in deep, dark waters.
Another unique characteristic is their extendable jaws, which can suddenly project outward to nab prey.
The jaws are lined with narrow, fang-like teeth, suitable for grasping slippery deep-sea inhabitants.
Aside from their protruding jaws, goblin sharks have relatively small dorsal fins and large pectoral fins which assist in stabilization rather than swift movement.
Goblin sharks typically reside in depths between 890 and 3,150 feet but have been found at depths of 4,300 feet.
While they have been sporadically caught around the world, the majority of sightings have been near Japan, with some occurrences near France, Portugal, and Madeira, making them a rare species to encounter.
Despite their extensive family history, there is still much to learn about goblin shark reproduction and behavior, as their elusive nature makes them challenging to study.
They are indeed a rare glimpse into an ancient part of shark taxonomy, as mysterious as they are captivating.
Goblin Shark Habitat and Behavior
Goblin sharks reside in widespread areas of the ocean, with sightings confirmed near Japan, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, including off the coasts of Brazil and Senegal.
More intriguing locations like South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia also have reported the presence of these elusive creatures.
These sharks are denizens of the deep sea, typically found on continental shelves and around seamounts.
The habitat of the goblin shark spans various depths, usually between 890 and 3,150 feet below sea level, although they’ve occasionally been found at extraordinary depths of 4,300 feet.
Reports even document goblin shark teeth recovered from subsea cables at 4,490 feet.
Juveniles might inhabit shallower waters compared to the deeper dwelling adults.
Evidence supporting their range of habitat shows an exceptional adaptability across several oceanic regions.
Feeding primarily on deep-sea organisms, the goblin shark’s diet consists mainly of squid, crustaceans, and deep-dwelling fish such as teleost fish.
Their hunting technique is unique; goblin sharks can suddenly protrude their jaws to nab prey, owing to specialized ligaments.
This mechanism, coupled with their ability to sense the electric fields of other organisms, positions them as effective predators of the mesopelagic zone.
While sightings are rare, this solitary shark has not been reported to pose any significant danger to humans.
Despite its menacing appearance, influenced perhaps by Japanese folklore tales of ‘tengu’ or goblins, the goblin shark is listed as of “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, indicating a currently stable population.
Due to its deep-water habitat, it doesn’t commonly encounter commercial fishing operations, which helps to minimize human threats to its survival.