Goblin shark, also called elfin shark, is a bottom-dwelling deepwater shark known for its grotesque appearance. It has a pinkish body, an elongated, flattened snout, thin needlelike teeth, and a long tail fin. Special ligaments anchor the shark’s jaws, allowing the jaws to rapidly project beyond the end of the mouth. This helps the goblin shark capture fish, shrimp, and squid. A goblin shark may range from 8 1/2 to 12 feet (2.6 to 3.7 meters) long. However, some specimens as large as 18 feet (5.5 meters) long have been reported.
Goblin sharks have been found in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. They are most commonly found in deep waters off the coast of Japan. However, scientists know little about the habits of goblin sharks because they live in very deep waters. They are often found at depths of 2,000 to 3,000 feet (600 to 900 meters). Young goblin sharks are often found at shallower depths as high as 330 feet (100 meters). Goblin sharks are sometimes caught as bycatch in deepwater fishing nets. Bycatch includes fish and other marine animals that are accidentally captured along with target fish species.
The shark received its name from Japanese fishermen, who called it tengu-zame. In Japanese folklore, Tengu is described as a magical, goblinlike being with an extremely long nose.
