Goblin Shark Facts

Introduction

The goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) is one of the most bizarre and elusive deep-sea creatures. Known as a “living fossil,” this rare shark species has barely changed for millions of years. With its long, flattened snout, extendable jaws, and pinkish skin, the goblin shark stands out as one of the ocean’s strangest predators. In this article, we’ll explore some fascinating facts about goblin sharks and what makes them such extraordinary creatures.

1. Goblin Sharks Have an Unusual Appearance

Their long, sword-like snout is covered in special electroreceptors that help them detect prey.
Their skin appears pink because their blood vessels are visible through their semi-translucent skin.
Their jaws extend outward dramatically to catch prey, giving them a truly alien look.

2. They Are Deep-Sea Dwellers

Goblin sharks are found at depths of 300 to 1,300 meters (980 to 4,270 feet), but some have been recorded even deeper.
They are rarely seen by humans because they prefer the deep, dark ocean floors.
Most sightings come from accidental captures in deep-sea fishing nets.

3. They Have a Unique Hunting Method

Goblin sharks use electroreceptors in their snout to detect electrical signals from prey.
When attacking, they rapidly extend their jaws to snatch food in a movement called “slingshot feeding.”
This jaw extension happens at incredible speed, allowing them to catch fast-moving prey like squid and fish.

4. They Are Considered a ‘Living Fossil’

Goblin sharks belong to the Mitsukurinidae family, which dates back over 125 million years.
Their ancient lineage makes them one of the oldest living shark species.
Their primitive features, such as their extendable jaws, have remained mostly unchanged for millions of years.

5. They Grow to Impressive Sizes

Adult goblin sharks can grow up to 12 feet (3.8 meters) long, though some may be even larger.
They weigh between 330 and 460 pounds (150–210 kg), depending on their age and habitat.
Despite their size, they are slow-moving and rely on stealth rather than speed to hunt.

6. Goblin Sharks Are Found Worldwide

They have been discovered in deep waters off the coasts of Japan, the United States, Australia, and South Africa.
Most sightings come from Japan, where the first goblin shark was identified in the 19th century.
They prefer continental slopes and submarine canyons, where food is abundant.

7. They Have Flexible, Flabby Bodies

Unlike some fast-moving sharks, goblin sharks have soft, weak muscles.
Their bodies are built for slow movement, helping them conserve energy in deep-sea environments.
They use a stealth approach rather than chasing prey.

8. Their Teeth Are Needle-Like and Razor-Sharp

Goblin sharks have long, thin teeth designed to grip soft-bodied prey like squid and fish.
Their jaws can snap shut quickly, ensuring prey has little chance of escape.
Unlike great white sharks, their teeth are not built for crushing bones but for slicing.

9. They Are Rarely Seen Alive

Most information about goblin sharks comes from specimens accidentally caught in fishing nets.
Only a handful of live goblin sharks have been observed in the wild.
Their deep-sea habitat makes them difficult to study.

10. Goblin Sharks Are Not Dangerous to Humans

Due to their deep-sea lifestyle, goblin sharks pose no threat to humans.
There have been no known attacks or interactions with divers.
They are slow and not aggressive, unlike other predatory sharks.

11. They Are Not Considered Endangered

Goblin sharks are rarely caught in large numbers, so they are not currently endangered.
However, deep-sea fishing and habitat destruction could pose risks in the future.
Because they are so elusive, scientists have little data on their overall population.

12. Their Snout Shrinks With Age

Young goblin sharks have a longer, more pronounced snout compared to adults.
As they grow, their snout becomes shorter and less noticeable.
Scientists believe the snout may be more important for young sharks to locate food.

13. They Have a Slow Metabolism

Goblin sharks do not expend much energy, allowing them to survive on fewer meals.
Their sluggish movements help them conserve oxygen in the low-oxygen deep-sea environment.
They likely hunt by ambushing rather than chasing their prey.

Conclusion

Goblin sharks are one of the ocean’s most fascinating and mysterious creatures. Their strange appearance, ancient lineage, and deep-sea lifestyle make them one of nature’s most unique predators. Though rarely seen, they play an important role in marine ecosystems, reminding us of the many undiscovered wonders lurking in the depths of our oceans.