Goblin Shark
Table of Contents
The goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) is often called a living fossil. Coming from a lineage that is around 125 million years old and being the only still existing member of its family, this shark looks like an ancient, mythical creature, indeed – its pink body, its long, flat snout, its protruding jaws lined with sharp teeth, make it resemble a goblin, or a Japanese demon. The animal is also quite large – adult individuals usually are about 10 feet long, but much larger specimens have also been found, some of them almost 13 feet long and weighing over 460 pounds.
The habitat where most goblin sharks live is in the deep waters of the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans, usually in the depth of 900-4,300 feet (though young ones like to stay higher up and are usually found at around 90 feet underneath the sea surface). The shark is the most common around the coasts of Japan and that is where it was first found by local fishermen. The goblin shark feeds mainly on bony fish, crustaceans and squid, but shrimps, fin rays and octopuses are also delicious treats for them.
The shark’s jaws are tied together by very flexible ligaments that allow them to move forward very quickly when the prey comes close enough to be captured. The strange construction of the mouth allows the animal to catapult it forward completely, to a distance of about 9% of its body length.
Unveiling the Mystery of the Goblin Shark
The Goblin Shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) stands as a remarkable enigma in the vast, unexplored depths of our oceans. With its peculiar appearance and elusive nature, this creature captivates the curiosity of both the scientific community and the general public. Resembling something straight out of a marine folklore, the Goblin Shark’s distinctive profile, highlighted by its prominent, protruding snout and razor-sharp teeth, sets it apart from any other shark species known to man.
Habitat and Distribution: Unraveling the Goblin’s Lair
The Depths Below: Goblin Shark’s Deep-Sea Domain
Dwelling in the shadowy depths of the ocean, the Goblin Shark’s habitat extends to continental shelves and submarine canyons, plunging to depths of over 1,300 meters (4,265 feet). This deep-sea nomad predominantly occupies the waters around Japan, but its presence is also recorded in other parts of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. The shark’s adaptation to such extreme environments includes a flabby body and a large liver filled with low-density oils and hydrocarbons, aiding in buoyancy.
A Rare Encounter: Spotting the Elusive Goblin
Encounters with the Goblin Shark are rare, making every sighting a significant event for marine biologists. Its preference for deep waters means it seldom crosses paths with humans. On the rare occasions it is found closer to the surface, it is usually due to being caught in fishing nets. These accidental captures provide invaluable opportunities for research, offering glimpses into the life of this mysterious creature.
Anatomy and Physiology: The Goblin’s Unique Blueprint
The Protruding Snout: More Than Meets the Eye
The most striking feature of the Goblin Shark is its elongated, flat snout, which is loaded with ampullae of Lorenzini. These special sensory organs enable the shark to detect the faint electric fields generated by other organisms, guiding it to prey in the pitch-black depths. This snout is not just for sensory perception; it also plays a crucial role in the shark’s unique hunting technique.
Jaw Mechanics: A Feat of Evolutionary Engineering
The Goblin Shark’s jaw is a marvel of evolutionary adaptation. Capable of being projected forward at high speeds, the jaw enables the shark to snatch up prey with lightning-fast precision. This mechanism is supported by specialized muscles and ligaments, allowing the shark to extend its jaw to an impressive distance from its head. The jaw is equipped with nail-like teeth on the upper jaw and serrated teeth on the lower, perfectly designed for gripping slippery prey.
Diet and Feeding Habits: The Goblin’s Culinary Preferences
The Hunt in the Darkness: Strategies of a Deep-Sea Predator
The Goblin Shark’s diet is as mysterious as its habitat, consisting mainly of deep-sea fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Its hunting strategy is believed to be largely passive, lying in wait for unsuspecting prey to come close enough to be captured by its rapidly extending jaws. This ambush predator relies on the element of surprise, compensating for its lack of speed with stealth and precision.
Adapting to the Abyss: Survival in the Deep Sea
Survival in the deep sea requires specialized adaptations, and the Goblin Shark’s feeding mechanism is a testament to its evolutionary prowess. The scarcity of food in its deep-sea environment has shaped the shark’s dietary habits, making it an opportunistic feeder. Its ability to consume a wide range of prey ensures its survival in the nutrient-sparse depths.
In conclusion, the Goblin Shark is a fascinating subject of study, offering insights into the adaptability and diversity of life in the ocean’s most remote regions. Its unique anatomical features and elusive lifestyle continue to intrigue and challenge our understanding of the marine ecosystem.
FAQs About Goblin Shark
- What does the Goblin Shark eat? The Goblin Shark’s diet mainly includes deep-sea fish, cephalopods like squid and octopus, and various crustaceans. Its hunting strategy is thought to be passive, waiting for prey to come within striking distance before rapidly extending its jaw to capture it.
- How deep does the Goblin Shark live? The Goblin Shark resides in deep-sea environments, typically found at depths ranging from 270 meters (886 feet) to over 1,300 meters (4,265 feet). Its habitat includes continental shelves and submarine canyons.
- Why is the Goblin Shark called so? The Goblin Shark is named for its peculiar appearance, particularly its elongated snout and protruding jaws, which resemble depictions of goblins in folklore. Its scientific name, Mitsukurina owstoni, honors Kakichi Mitsukuri and Alan Owston, the individuals who contributed to the discovery and study of this species.
- How does the Goblin Shark catch its prey? The Goblin Shark catches its prey with a unique mechanism where it can rapidly project its jaw forward to snatch up prey. This adaptation, combined with its ability to detect the electric fields of nearby creatures, makes it a formidable ambush predator in the deep sea.
- Is the Goblin Shark dangerous to humans? Given its deep-sea habitat, the Goblin Shark poses little to no threat to humans. There are very few instances of humans encountering these sharks, and those are mostly accidental, involving deep-sea fishing activities. The Goblin Shark’s lifestyle and feeding habits are not compatible with human interaction.
