Skip to main content

Dwarf Lanternshark

Etmopterus perryi
The 25th Annual Shark Week starts today, so obviously we need to learn about a Shark! Sharks have been very popular on Animal A Day, and we've learned about loads of them in the past (a full list can be found here). But we haven't yet talked about the smallest of all the sharks-- the Dwarf Lanternshark.

Dwarf Lantersharks reach mature lengths of around 7in, and pregnant females can grow a small bit larger, topping out around 8in. They are an ovoviviparous species, and give birth to 2-3 pups at a time.

Not only are these Sharks very small, but they are also quite mysterious. They have only been found in a small section of the Caribbean, off the coat of Colombia and Venezuela. They swim at depths of between 900-1,400ft (274-426m), and are rarely caught or observed.

So little is known about the biology and population size of these tiny sharks that they are listed as "Data Deficient." They have no economic value in the fishing industry and there are no conservation measures being taken.

So unfortunately there isn't a whole plethora of information out there regarding this particular shark, but that's isn't all that surprising considering its small size and tiny range. Stay tuned for a few more sharks during the rest of the week!
IUCN Status : Data Deficient
Location : Caribbean
Size : Length up to 7in (18cm)
Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Chondrichthyes -- Order : Squaliformes
Family : Etmopteridae -- Genus : Etmopterus -- Species : E. perryi
Labels:

Comments

  1. Adriana RoblesAugust 12, 2012 at 5:46 PM

    The picture makes them look very prehistoric. I love the mystery behind them though. Never knew there were sharks that are so small!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Conservation ConsultantAugust 23, 2012 at 5:14 AM

    Great posting! I got to know lots of information about this species and yes the pic look like the species is no long lasted now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2013 at 2:43 PM

      Anybody know where I can buy one?

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bornean Orangutan

The Bornean Orangutan is one of two extant Orangutan species in the world. It is the third largest primate (after Gorillas) and is the largest primarily tree-dwelling animal in the world. Males are substantially larger than females, and average at around 165lbs. Bornean Orangutans are largely solitary. A handful might live within a small range but they will seldom interact with one another. Males and females only meet up to breed, which happens only once every several years. A young Orangutan will stay with it's mother for about five years, and the females tend to go about eight years between births. That is the longest interim period of any animal! Sadly, the Bornean Orangutans are in a lot of trouble. They need large forests in order to thrive, and deforestation and habitat degradation has left many homeless. They are also hunted for meat and for traditional medicines. Conservation areas are being established to help these guys in the wild, and it is believed that there are a
60 comments
Read more

Four!

For anyone who was counting, yesterday was our birthday-- four years! Four years filled with animals from A to Z, more than 1,100 of them! I can't thank my readers enough, it's been wonderful! And in celebration of that milestone... I'm taking a break. Hopefully not forever, but for a little bit at least. In the mean time I plan on getting a new layout out, along with some updates to some of the older articles. I'll post updates here and on the Facebook page, I'm also brainstorming some new animal-related projects, so keep an eye out! Thanks again for four awesome years!
18 comments
Read more

Binturong

The Binturong ( Arctictis binturong ) also has an equally awesome alternate common name, the Bearcat! However, it really isn't much of a bear OR a cat. While it is true that it is part of the Feliforma suborder, it is not a member of family Felidae. Binturongs are a part of their own family, Viverridae, which is shared with Civets, Linsangs, and Genets. There are six subspecies of Binturong, all of which have slight differences based upon location and habitat. Binturongs range in body size from 60-100cm in length, (not including their tail which has roughly the same length) and weigh between 20 and 30lbs. Binturongs are nocturnal animals native to the rain forests of South East Asia. The species range spans through several countries including China, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. They are tree dwelling mammals, and have fully prehensile tails that basically double their body length and can be used to cling to the trees or to grasp food. Binturongs are phe
Post a Comment
Read more