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Bristled lanternshark (Etmopterus unicolor) — Etmopteridae

Bristled lanternshark

Etmopterus unicolor
Family: Etmopteridae

The Bristled lanternshark (Etmopterus unicolor) is a saltwater fish of the family Etmopteridae that grows up to 64 cm.

Length
64 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Bristled lanternshark is a small deep-sea shark (Etmopteridae) from the northwest Pacific. The species grows to about 64 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 Bristled lanternshark?

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

Where does the Bristled lanternshark live?

The Bristled lanternshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Bristled lanternshark get?

The Bristled lanternshark grows to a maximum of about 64 cm.

Is the Bristled lanternshark dangerous to humans?

No, the Bristled lanternshark is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Borstel-lantaarnhaai sourced
English name
Bristled lanternshark sourced
Scientific name
Etmopterus unicolor
Family
Etmopteridae
Other names
Brown lantern shark; Brown lanternshark verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
64.0 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
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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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