Lined Lanternshark, Etmopterus dislineatus Last, Burgess & Séret 2002

Scientific name: Etmopterus dislineatus
Alternative name/s:
Lined Lantern Shark
  • Updated
    19/06/24
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Lined Lanternshark, Etmopterus dislineatus Click to enlarge image
Lined Lanternshark, Etmopterus dislineatus. Image: CSIRO National Fish Collection
© CC BY 3.0

Fast Facts

  • IUCN Conservation Status
    LEAST CONCERN (LC)
  • Classification
    Genus
    Etmopterus
    Species
    dislineatus
    Family
    Etmopteridae
    Order
    Squaliformes
    Subclass
    Elasmobranchii
    Class
    Chondrichthyes
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 45cm in length.

Introduction

The Lined Lanternshark, Etmopterus dislineatus, is a species with unique features and a healthy population.

What do Lined Lanternsharks look like?

Identification

The Lined Lanternshark is light silvery brown on top with a pattern of dots and dashes running longitudinally down its body. The underside is darker and has distinct black markings at the pelvic fin, caudal peduncle and upper caudal fin. As is the case with all Lanternsharks, they have light organs that give them bioluminescent capability, which it uses to attract prey in the dark depths where it resides. It is distinguished by its small size, reaching a maximum length of only 45 cm and its large green eyes, which aid in vision in low-light environments.

Where do Lined Lanternsharks live?

Habitat

This species is found on the continental slope, typically at depths ranging from 590 to 800 meters.

Distribution

Endemic to northeast Australia, the Lined Lanternshark is found in a relatively restricted range. While it is known to occur within a limited depth range, its actual distribution may extend beyond current records.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

What is the diet and reproductive behaviour of Lined Lanternsharks?

Feeding and diet

The diet of the Lined Lanternshark consists of small fish and invertebrates, typical of many lantern shark species. It likely plays a role in the deep-sea ecosystem as a predator of smaller organisms.

Life cycle

As a viviparous species, the Lined Lanternshark gives birth to live young. Its reproductive characteristics is thought to be limited and similar to the Smooth Lanternshark.

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