New Zealand Lanternshark

About the New Zealand Lanternshark

The New Zealand Lanternshark is a species of dogfish shark found in the Southwest Pacific. 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 and grow to a maximum length of 75 cm.

They live in deep water at a range of 878 – 1472 m. Because of this they experience little fishing pressure, and are currently considered Least Concern.

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