Densescale Lanternshark

About the Densescale Lanternshark

The dense-scale lanternshark is a species of dogfish shark found in the Pacific Southeast, off the coasts of Peru and Chile, at depths of to 330 to 700 m.

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.

They’re ovoviviparous. Litter sizes are unknown. They grow to a maximum length of 45 cm.

There isn’t enough information to assess their population health. Their conservation status is “Data Deficient.”

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Scientific Name Etmopterus pycnolepis
OrderDog and Angelfish Sharks - Squaliformes
GenusEtmopterus
CitesNot Listed
IUCNData Deficient
ReproductionOvoviviparous
SizeSmall
Litter Size Unknown
Common Length 45.0 cm
Max LenghtNA
Depth Range330-700 m
DistributionSoutheast Pacific
EnvironmentBathydemersal