Fin's Fish Guide
The Slender lantern shark (Etmopterus pusillus) is a saltwater fish of the family Etmopteridae that grows up to 50 cm.
Western Atlantic (Gulf of Mexico to Argentina), eastern Atlantic (Portugal to Namibia), western Indian Ocean and western Pacific.
Description
The smooth lanternshark is a small deep-sea shark of the family Etmopteridae reaching about 50 cm. Like other lanternsharks the species carries light organs (photophores) on its underside that camouflage it in the dark, and a spine in front of each of the two dorsal fins. The body is blackish-brown with a faint dark mark around the pelvic fins. The smooth lanternshark lives on the continental and insular slopes of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans, usually between 275 and 1000 m, feeding on fish eggs, lanternfish, squid and small dogfish. It is ovoviviparous and has no value as food.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Slender lantern shark?
The Slender lantern shark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Small deep-sea shark with light-producing organs (photophores) on the belly and a spine in front of each dorsal fin; black-brown with a dark blotch around the pelvic fins.
Where does the Slender lantern shark live?
The Slender lantern shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic (Gulf of Mexico to Argentina), eastern Atlantic (Portugal to Namibia), western Indian Ocean and western Pacific.
How big does the Slender lantern shark get?
The Slender lantern shark grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the Slender lantern shark dangerous to humans?
No, the Slender lantern shark is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Slender lantern shark edible?
The Slender lantern shark is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Etmopterus
More from the family Etmopteridae
Want the complete picture on the Slender lantern shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Slender lantern shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.