Mitsukurina owstoni

fish

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

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The goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) is a rare species of shark belonging to the family Mitsukurinidae. It is the only known extant species in its family, though fossils of extinct species exist. This shark is closely related to sand sharks and thresher sharks.1

Key characteristics of the goblin shark include:
* A long, protruding snout or forehead spike.1
* Protruding teeth.1
* An extended tail, similar to that of thresher sharks.1

Goblin sharks have been captured sporadically worldwide, with most specimens found in deep marine waters near Japan. Recorded lengths have reached up to 3.4 meters (11 feet). They are also known as Scapanorhynchus sharks and have protrusible jaws.12

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goblin shark
Only one extant species (Mitsukurina owstoni) is known, on the basis of a few specimens, although fossils of extinct species have been found. The goblin shark is closely related to the sand shark. Although captured sporadically worldwide, most specimens have been taken from deep marine waters near Japan. They…
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Only one extant species (Mitsukurina owstoni) is known, on the basis of a few specimens, although fossils of extinct species have been found. The goblin shark is closely related to the sand shark. Although captured sporadically worldwide, most specimens have been taken from deep marine waters near Japan. They…
Read More