Cylindrical Lanternshark

About the Cylindrical Lanternshark

The cylindrical lanternshark is a species of dogfish shark found along the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Like all lanternsharks, they’re small deep water sharks known for the light-producing photophores on their bodies. The photophores are concentrated mostly on their belly and it works as counter illumination, making the shark seem brighter to match their backgrounds. This makes it easier for the lanternshark to stalk prey. They feed on small fish and invertebrates.

Very little is known abut their biology. They’re ovoviviparous, with 3 to 20 pups per litter. Young are born at about 10 cm, grow to a maximum length of 21 cm, and are most commonly found at depths of around 300 m.

There is not enough confirmation to assess their population health. Their conservation status is “Data Deficient.”

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