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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. 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.

Etmopterus unicolor
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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.

Why it matters: The photophore patterns of lanternsharks are so distinctive that they can help separate similar-looking species.

Scientific nameEtmopterus unicolor
FamilyEtmopteridae
OrderSqualiformes
Max length0.8 m

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

Body shape, size, and habitat are the main cues that separate it from related sharks.

Compare it against Etmopterus Alphus, Etmopterus Benchleyi, and Etmopterus Brosei.

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.

National Fish Collection specimen photograph of Etmopterus alphus in profile; not to scale.
Etmopterus alphus

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.

Ninja lanternshark scientific figure showing the dark body and fin placement; not to scale.
Etmopterus benchleyi

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.

California Academy of Sciences specimen photograph of Etmopterus burgessi in lateral view; not to scale.
Etmopterus burgessi

Etmopterus Burgessi

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.