Species page
Dwarf Lanternshark
One of the smallest sharks on Earth.
Etmopterus perryi
Data deficient
Overview
Lanternsharks are miniature deepwater predators that often carry their own dim light show. In PocketShark, this family entry signals a small dark shark of the deep slope, usually better known from catches than from direct observation. Most lanternsharks are small, dark sharks with no anal fin, dorsal spines, and light-producing photophores arranged in species-specific patterns. Lanternsharks are found in deep tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters worldwide. Many species have localized ranges or are known from only a few deepwater regions.
They usually inhabit outer continental shelves, slopes, seamount flanks, and deep pelagic layers, often well below sunlight.
Known as an ultra-small deep-water shark.
Why it matters: The photophore patterns of lanternsharks are so distinctive that they can help separate similar-looking species.
Scientific nameEtmopterus perryi
FamilyEtmopteridae
OrderSqualiformes
Max length0.2 m
Depth range280 to 440 meters
ConservationData deficient
RegionCaribbean coast of South America
DietSmall squid and crustaceans
HabitatDeep continental slope
Why it stands outBioluminescent belly
What this shark is
Most lanternsharks are small, dark sharks with no anal fin, dorsal spines, and light-producing photophores arranged in species-specific patterns.
Where it lives
Lanternsharks are found in deep tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters worldwide. Many species have localized ranges or are known from only a few deepwater regions.
They usually inhabit outer continental shelves, slopes, seamount flanks, and deep pelagic layers, often well below sunlight.
How it differs from similar sharks
Bioluminescent belly
Compare it against Brown lanternshark, Etmopterus Alphus, and Etmopterus Benchleyi.
Why it is notable
They seldom interact directly with people. Most information comes from deepwater surveys and incidental capture.
Related shark pages
These links are meant to help readers continue through related species, not force extra clicks.
Brown lanternshark
Lanternsharks are miniature deepwater predators that often carry their own dim light show. In PocketShark, this family entry signals a small dark shark of the deep slope, usually better known from catches than from direct observation.
0.8 m max
Etmopterus Alphus
Lanternsharks are miniature deepwater predators that often carry their own dim light show. In PocketShark, this family entry signals a small dark shark of the deep slope, usually better known from catches than from direct observation.
Etmopterus Benchleyi
Lanternsharks are miniature deepwater predators that often carry their own dim light show. In PocketShark, this family entry signals a small dark shark of the deep slope, usually better known from catches than from direct observation.
Etmopterus Brosei
A shark in the etmopteridae group.