Dwarf Lanternshark

sharks · bioluminescence · deep sea · tiny

Smallest shark ever. The dwarf lanternshark is the world's tiniest shark, growing only as long as a pencil at about 20 centimeters (8 inches) from head to tail.

Glowing photophores. This shark has special light-producing organs called photophores arranged in patterns on its belly and along its back, making it glow in the darkness of the deep ocean.

Lives in the abyss. Dwarf lanternsharks are found only off the coasts of Colombia and Venezuela, living on deep underwater slopes between 283 and 439 meters down, where sunlight never reaches.

Unusual shark features. This tiny shark has a long, flattened head and distinctive black markings on its white belly that help identify it from other deep-sea creatures.

Two or three babies. Female dwarf lanternsharks give birth to live babies, with each mother having about two or three pups at a time.