Shorttail Lanternshark Jaw with Spines w/DATA ex Dr. Gordon Hubbell

Short-tail Lanternshark jaw.  The image of Eugene Clark from https://www.scubadiving.com/becoming-shark-lady-legacy-eugenie-clark

This jaw is not from the sharks in the article's image.   

This jaw is from the collection of Dr. Gordon Hubbell.  He first taught me how to prepare jaws in the early 1990's.  I've been fortunate enough to acquire some of his collection that is not going to the University of Florida.  Most of these jaws and teeth on this site have been either on display or stored away for decades in Gordon's collection.

NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

The Short-tail Lanternshark (Etmopterus brachyurus) is a species of deep-sea shark in the family Etmopteridae, known for its bioluminescent properties. This species inhabits the deep waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Key Characteristics of the Short-tail Lanternshark:

1. Appearance: This shark is small and slender with a distinctive shorter tail compared to other lanternsharks. It has a dark, greyish to black coloration.

2. Size: The Short-tail Lanternshark is a relatively small shark, typically reaching lengths of about 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches).

3. Bioluminescence: Like other lanternsharks, it possesses light-emitting photophores along its body. These photophores are thought to be used for camouflage, attracting prey, and possibly communication.

4. Habitat: It is a deepwater species, commonly found at depths ranging from 200 to 500 meters (656 to 1,640 feet), but it can be found deeper.

5. Diet: Their diet mainly includes small fish, squid, and crustaceans, reflecting their role as predators in the deep-sea ecosystem.

6. Behavior: The Short-tail Lanternshark is known to be nocturnal and is believed to exhibit vertical migration, moving up in the water column at night.

7. Reproduction: This species is ovoviviparous, with females giving birth to live young. The reproductive habits of Short-tail Lanternsharks, like many deep-sea creatures, are not well-documented.

8. Conservation Status: There's limited data on the conservation status of the Short-tail Lanternshark. However, deep-sea species generally face threats from deepwater fishing practices and habitat disturbances.

The Short-tail Lanternshark, with its bioluminescent abilities and adaptation to deep-sea environments, is an example of the remarkable diversity and specialization found in the shark world. Its presence in the depths of the ocean is a reminder of the complex and often unseen marine ecosystems that exist beneath the ocean's surface.