Pacific Sleeper Shark Jaw

The Pacific sleeper shark (Somniosus pacificus) is a deep-sea predator that inhabits cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean, ranging from Japan and Russia to the coasts of Alaska, Canada, and down to California. They have also been documented as far south as Mexico and in the deep waters around New Zealand. These elusive sharks are part of the sleeper shark family (Somniosidae), named for their sluggish, slow-moving nature, although they are capable of bursts of speed when hunting.

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Biology & Size

Pacific sleeper sharks can grow quite large, with adults typically reaching lengths of 12 to 14 feet (3.6 to 4.3 meters), though some individuals have been estimated to exceed 20 feet (6 meters). They have a soft, flabby body, which is adapted to deep-sea pressures, and are known for their bioluminescent eyes, which help them navigate the dark ocean depths. Unlike many other shark species, their liver is rich in oils rather than gas-filled swim bladders, allowing them to maintain buoyancy in the deep ocean.

These sharks are opportunistic scavengers and predators, feeding on a variety of marine life, including fish, squid, octopus, and even marine mammals like seals. Some reports suggest they scavenge whale carcasses, much like Greenland sharks, a close relative. Their teeth are uniquely adapted—small and curved on the upper jaw to grasp prey, while the lower jaw features larger, saw-like teeth for cutting and shearing.

Habitat & Rarity

Pacific sleeper sharks prefer depths between 650 and 6,600 feet (200 to 2,000 meters), though juveniles are sometimes found in shallower waters. Because they inhabit such deep, cold environments, they are rarely seen and remain one of the more mysterious shark species. Due to their slow growth and deep-water habitat, they are not commonly encounteredby humans, and their population trends remain largely unknown. They are not considered commercially valuable, though their meat is sometimes used locally, and their jaws, teeth, and other parts are occasionally collected as unique specimens.

This listing features an authentic Pacific sleeper shark jaw, a rare find from the deep-sea world. With its distinctive teeth and robust structure, this jaw offers a glimpse into the fascinating adaptations of one of the ocean’s most elusive predators. A must-have for collectors, shark enthusiasts, and natural history displays.