Rare Deep-Sea Shark Caught on Camera in Its Natural Habitat for the First Time Ever Discovered
Researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa have made a groundbreaking discovery, spotting a deep-sea goblin shark alive in its natural habitat for the first time. The rare shark, known as Mitsukurina owstoni, was observed on two separate occasions in the South Pacific Ocean, with one sighting near Jarvis Island in 2019 and another in the Tonga Trench in 2024.
Prior to these findings, goblin sharks had only been filmed or reported after being caught on a fishing line and brought to the surface, where they would soon die. The new observations, published in the Journal of Fish Biology, expand the creature's previously understood habitat and extend its geographic range to the central Pacific Ocean.
The goblin shark is typically found in narrow areas of the Pacific Ocean off the coasts of the western United States, Australia, Japan, and other regions in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. According to Aaron Judah, lead author of the research, "New discoveries like this demonstrate that there is still so much to explore in our deep-ocean home." The findings have significant implications for regional management and biodiversity lists.
The deep-sea goblin shark belongs to the mackerel shark order, which includes well-known species such as the white shark and mako shark. Characterized by its long, prominent snout covered with sensing organs, the shark can detect electric fields in deep waters and extend its jaw to catch prey. Capable of growing up to 12.8 feet, the goblin shark is often referred to as a "living fossil" due to its ancient lineage dating back 125 million years.
The discoveries were made using remote camera systems and baited cameras aboard research vessels EV Nautilus and RV Dagon. The footage was later confirmed by Judah in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the study of this elusive creature.
Prior to these findings, goblin sharks had only been filmed or reported after being caught on a fishing line and brought to the surface, where they would soon die. The new observations, published in the Journal of Fish Biology, expand the creature's previously understood habitat and extend its geographic range to the central Pacific Ocean.
The goblin shark is typically found in narrow areas of the Pacific Ocean off the coasts of the western United States, Australia, Japan, and other regions in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. According to Aaron Judah, lead author of the research, "New discoveries like this demonstrate that there is still so much to explore in our deep-ocean home." The findings have significant implications for regional management and biodiversity lists.
The deep-sea goblin shark belongs to the mackerel shark order, which includes well-known species such as the white shark and mako shark. Characterized by its long, prominent snout covered with sensing organs, the shark can detect electric fields in deep waters and extend its jaw to catch prey. Capable of growing up to 12.8 feet, the goblin shark is often referred to as a "living fossil" due to its ancient lineage dating back 125 million years.
The discoveries were made using remote camera systems and baited cameras aboard research vessels EV Nautilus and RV Dagon. The footage was later confirmed by Judah in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the study of this elusive creature.
#News, #USA