Etmopterus lailae, a tiny and glowing shark

  • Etmopterus lailae, a miniature lanternshark
Etmopterus lailae, a miniature lanternshark
David Ebert, Pacific Shark Research Center, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories

Found in the dark depths of the Pacific Ocean, the Etmopterus lailae is a miniature lanternshark. Although it was discovered in 2000, it took more than 15 years to be identified. At around 30cm long, it uses its large, bulky snout to sniff out food in an environment without light. It has bioluminescent flanks produced by chemical reactions. It is thought that this may function to lure prey or attract a mate.