The goblin shark is a rare and ancient species of deep-sea shark, known for its distinctive long snout and extendable jaws, which help it capture prey in the depths of the ocean.
Amazing Facts About the Goblin shark
Found at depths of over 1,000 metres (3,300 feet), the goblin shark is rarely seen by humans, adding to its mystique as one of the ocean’s most bizarre and elusive predators.
Where can goblin sharks be found?
Goblin sharks are typically found at depths between 100 and 1,200 metres (330 to 3,940 feet) in the deep waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, particularly off the coast of Japan, New Zealand, and the United States.
What do goblin sharks eat?
Goblin sharks primarily feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans. They use their protrusible jaws to snatch prey from the ocean floor.
How do goblin sharks catch their prey?
They have unique, extendable jaws that can thrust forward rapidly to grab prey, a technique that helps them catch food in the dark, deep waters where they live.
How big do goblin sharks grow?
Goblin sharks typically grow to around 3–4 metres (10–13 feet) in length, though some individuals can grow slightly larger.
Are goblin sharks dangerous to humans?
Despite their fearsome appearance, goblin sharks are not considered dangerous to humans. They are deep-sea dwellers and rarely come into contact with people.
Why do goblin sharks have such a long snout?
The long, flat snout is an adaptation that helps the goblin shark locate prey in the dark, deep ocean. It is also equipped with sensory organs to detect the electrical signals of prey.
How long do goblin sharks live?
Goblin sharks are believed to live for around 35 years, though this estimate is based on limited research.
Are goblin sharks endangered?
While goblin sharks are not currently listed as endangered, their deep-sea habitat makes them vulnerable to deep-sea fishing and environmental changes.
Why is the goblin shark often called a “living fossil”?
The goblin shark is called a “living fossil” because its lineage dates back around 125 million years, and it has changed very little since then, resembling ancient shark species from the Mesozoic era.