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Goblin Shark

The Goblin Shark, with its eerie, elongated snout and lightning-fast jaws, roams deep ocean trenches. Its distinctive pink hue and stealthy hunting make it a mysterious deep-sea predator, rarely seen by humans, yet crucial in maintaining marine ecosystem balance.

149.687 - 208.652 kg
Weight
Length: 2.987 - 3.993 m
Size
Tan, Pink
Color
15 mph
Top Speed
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Unknown
Population Trend
Characteristics
Mitsukurina owstoni, known as the Goblin Shark, is a deep-sea species found in continental slopes and submarine canyons. It is distinguished by its elongated, flattened snout and protrusible jaws. This shark can reach lengths of up to 3.8 meters. Its pinkish-gray skin and unique jaw mechanism enable it to ambush prey with precision.
Distribution Range of the Goblin Shark
Mitsukurina owstoni, commonly known as the Goblin Shark, is primarily found in deep waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. It has been recorded off the coasts of Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Portugal, and the United States, particularly off the eastern coast.
Goblin Shark's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
The Goblin Shark inhabits deep-sea environments, typically residing at depths ranging from 200 to 1,200 meters (656 to 3,937 feet). It prefers the continental slopes, submarine canyons, and seamounts where it can find its prey. The water temperatures in these regions are cold and the environment is characterized by low light conditions.
Ecological Niche
The Goblin Shark is a slow-moving species that occupies a niche as a specialized predator in the deep-sea ecosystem. It primarily feeds on teleost fishes, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Its unique physical adaptations, such as an elongated snout and protrusible jaws, allow it to effectively capture prey in the dark, high-pressure environment of the deep ocean.