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Shorttail lanternshark (Etmopterus brachyurus) — Etmopteridae

Shorttail lanternshark

Etmopterus brachyurus
Family: Etmopteridae

The Shorttail lanternshark (Etmopterus brachyurus) is a saltwater fish of the family Etmopteridae that grows up to 50 cm.

Length
50 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
100.0–696.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Shorttail lanternshark is a small deep-sea shark (Etmopteridae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a dark body with light-producing organs on the belly and a spine in front of each dorsal fin. As a dweller of the continental slope it hunts small fish, squid and crustaceans in deep water. Due to its small size it is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Shorttail lanternshark?

The Shorttail lanternshark has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly black.

Where does the Shorttail lanternshark live?

The Shorttail lanternshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Shorttail lanternshark get?

The Shorttail lanternshark grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.

Is the Shorttail lanternshark dangerous to humans?

No, the Shorttail lanternshark is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kortstaart-lantaarnhaai sourced
English name
Shorttail lanternshark sourced
Scientific name
Etmopterus brachyurus
Family
Etmopteridae
Other names
Short-tail lantern shark; Shorttail lanternshark; Short-tail lanternshark; Shorttail laternshark verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
50.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Crescent (lunate) inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
100.0 verified
Max depth (m)
696.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Te vangen met natuurlijk aas of kunstaas, afgestemd op de grootte en het leefgebied van de soort. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Etmopterus

More from the family Etmopteridae

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