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Taillight shark (Euprotomicroides zantedeschia) — Dalatiidae

Taillight shark

Euprotomicroides zantedeschia
Family: Dalatiidae

The Taillight shark (Euprotomicroides zantedeschia) is a saltwater fish of the family Dalatiidae that grows up to 42 cm.

Length
42 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–205.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The taillight shark is an extremely rare, small deep-sea shark (Dalatiidae) known from only a handful of open-ocean specimens. The species grows to about 42 cm and has a dark, cigar-shaped body and a conspicuous luminous gland before the pelvic fins, thought to release a glowing fluid. It lives in the deep, dark water column and probably hunts small fish and squid. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Taillight shark?

The Taillight shark has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly black.

Where does the Taillight shark live?

The Taillight shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Taillight shark get?

The Taillight shark grows to a maximum of about 42 cm.

Is the Taillight shark dangerous to humans?

No, the Taillight shark is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Achterlicht-haai sourced
English name
Taillight shark sourced
Scientific name
Euprotomicroides zantedeschia
Family
Dalatiidae
Other names
Taillight shark verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
42.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
205.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Dalatiidae

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