Tailspot Lanternshark

About the Tailspot Lanternshark

The tailspot lanternshark is a species of deepwater shark found off the coast of New Caledonia, at depths of 630 to 800 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 and reach a maximum length of 31 cm.

There is is very little deep water fishing in their range, and thus they’re considered Least Concern. The only known specimens were taken in an exploratory survey (Last et al. 2002). There are no known threats to the species as there is no offshore trawling or deepsea longlining where it occurs (Gontard and de Coudenhove 2013). While there are offshore tuna fisheries, they would rarely interact with this species given its small size and habitat. There are currently no conservation measures in place for this species. The species may receive some protection in New Caledonia’s Le Parc Naturel de la Mer de Corail, a multi-use Marine Protected Area covering the entire Exclusive Economic Zone. Further information is required on its full distribution and life history.

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