10 Fascinating Facts about Goblin Sharks That You Need to Know

Introduction

Goblin sharks are one of the most mysterious creatures in the ocean. With their unique appearance and razor-sharp teeth, they have captured the interest of researchers, scientists, and divers alike. In this article, we will explore 10 fascinating facts about goblin sharks that you need to know.

Fact 1: They Are Named After A Mythical Creature

The goblin shark is named after the Japanese mythical creature called “tsujigiri.” This creature is said to be a demon that would randomly attack travelers. The goblin shark was believed to be similar to this creature due to its unusual appearance.

Fact 2: They Are Found Deep In The Ocean

Goblin sharks are typically found in the depths of the ocean, around 300-1000 meters below the surface. They prefer areas with steep underwater cliffs and drop-offs that allow them to hunt their prey more efficiently.

Fact 3: They Have An Unusual Snout

The most striking feature of the goblin shark is its long, protruding snout. This snout is used to sense electrical impulses from nearby fish, which helps the shark locate its prey.

Fact 4: They Can ‘Shoot’ Their Jaws Out

When hunting, the goblin shark is able to extend its jaws up to 10% of its total body length. This allows it to take its prey by surprise and quickly snatch it up.

Fact 5: They Have Multiple Rows of Teeth

Goblin sharks have multiple rows of teeth, up to 50 in each jaw. These teeth are replaced continuously throughout their lifetime, with new teeth growing in behind the old ones.

Fact 6: They Are Excellent Hunters

Goblin sharks are skilled hunters, using their keen sense of smell and their ability to detect electric fields to locate prey. They are also able to swim silently, making it easier for them to get close to their prey.

Fact 7: They Can Grow Up To 20 Feet Long

The average size of a goblin shark is between 8 and 13 feet long, but they can grow up to 20 feet in length.

Fact 8: They Have Been Around For A Long Time

Goblin sharks are believed to be one of the oldest species of shark, with fossils dating back over 125 million years. However, they were not discovered by humans until the late 19th century.

Fact 9: They Are Not Dangerous To Humans

Despite their intimidating appearance, goblin sharks are not considered a threat to humans. They are rarely encountered by divers or fishermen, and even when they are, they are usually not aggressive.

Fact 10: They Are A Protected Species

Goblin sharks are listed as ‘Least Concern’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but they are still a protected species. They are not targeted by commercial fishermen, and strict regulations are in place to prevent their accidental capture.

Conclusion

Goblin sharks may be one of the most unusual creatures in the ocean, but they are also one of the most fascinating. With their unique appearance, hunting skills, and long history, they have captured the interest of researchers and the public alike. These 10 facts are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding this amazing shark species.