Blackbelly lanternshark
📖 Overview
Found on the outer continental and insular shelves and upper slopes . Its luminescent belly may attract prey , which consists mainly of squid (reported to bite squid bigger than itself), small bony fishes, and shrimps . Often caught in large schools which may suggest that the luminescence may also be used to keep the group together in the dark deep ocean . Ovoviviparous , size at birth about 15 cm .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 2; Anal spines: 0. Dark grey or brown dorsally, black ventrally, with a distinct black streak above and behind pelvic fins; fins lighter; belly luminous . Small and slender with a moderately elongate caudal peduncle and with flank denticles mostly arranged in regular rows. The base of the pelvic flank marking is under the second dorsal-fin spine, the anterior branch is usually longer than the posterior branch, and the caudal marking is considerably longer than the precaudal marking .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blackbelly lanternshark is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Blackbelly lanternshark is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Presumably ovoviviparous . Size at birth about 15 cm . Distinct pairing with embrace .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-oceanic; depth range 150 - 1357 m . Deep-water; 40°N - 48°S
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Blackbelly lanternshark |
| 🇫🇷French | Sagre lucifer |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Fujikujira · フジクジラ |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Светящаяся черная акула |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 亮烏鯊 · 燈籠棘鮫 · 黑沙 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Etmopterus abernethyi | Garrick | 1957 | Synonym |
| Spinax lucifer | Jordan & Snyder | 1902 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 45 records indexed .
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