Lantern shark is a small shark known for producing its own light from specialized organs called photophores. These organs cover the bottom surface of the body. The light serves as a kind of camouflage (disguise), allowing the lantern shark to blend in with the water and hide from predators (hunting animals). The light also attracts smaller animals, which the lantern shark preys upon. Photophores also line the dorsal (back) spines, producing light to ward off predators.
Lantern sharks are found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. They may live from 820 to more than 3,300 feet (250 to more than 1,000 meters) deep. Like many deepwater fish, lantern sharks have large eyes to see in the dark water. They eat krill, small fish, crustaceans, and squid.
There are many species (kinds) of lantern sharks. They can be identified by the shapes of their denticles, small fingernaillike scales that cover the bodies of most sharks. Two unique species are the dwarf lantern shark and the smooth lantern shark. The dwarf lantern shark is one of the smallest sharks in the world. It measures up to about 8 inches (20 centimeters) long. The dwarf lantern shark has a large, wide head for its size. It is brown, with black markings on the underside and a black line along the back. The dwarf lantern shark lives in only two small areas of the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of South America.
The smooth lantern shark is widespread, with a broad range in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The denticles of this species are arranged in regular rows, which gives it a smooth appearance. The smooth lantern shark measures about 20 inches (51 centimeters) long.
Lantern sharks are ovoviviparous. That is, the female protects the eggs within her body until they hatch. The young of ovoviviparous sharks are called pups, and they are born alive. A lantern shark litter may contain 2 to 10 pups.
Lantern 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.
