Exploring the Depths of the Unique-looking Goblin Shark

by Aarosh Subedi, age 10

The goblin shark is a species of shark that lives 4,265 feet below the surface of the ocean. Its scientific name is Mitsukurina owstoni.

The goblin shark has multiple unique features. It can unhinge its jaws while eating its prey. Their diet consists of small bony fish, cephalopods, and an unknown species of crab. This species of shark has a special kind of rostrum (pointed snout). They have unique organs that help the rostrum function; due to the dark depths, they use it to find their food by detecting sounds such as heartbeats or water movements. They usually thrust their jaws and use pharyngeal suction whenever their prey is trying to escape.

These sharks live in three oceans: the Pacific, the Atlantic, and Indian oceans. Some goblin sharks have been spotted and caught on the beaches of various Japanese places such as Honshu, Sagami, and Suruga, as well as in Kaikoura, New Zealand, and southern Africa.

A male goblin shark reaches sexual maturity when it measures approximately 2.3 meters. The female's length is unknown, but it is known that it is larger than the male's measurement.

The goblin shark’s ability to unhinge its jaws while hunting prey makes it a fascinating predator. Despite their unpleasant appearance, goblin sharks are remarkable creatures, and their elusive nature adds to their intrigue.

[Source: Marine Bio]