Scientists have discovered a new species of small luminous sharks with a huge nose

Scientists have discovered a new type of miniature sharks that have a huge nose and glow in the dark. The first such shark was caught 17 years ago. However, in order to officially recognize it as a new species, it was necessary to find it in the wild.

17 year opening

A new species of shark, called Etmopterus lailae, belongs to the family Etmopteridae, or "black luminous sharks." Sharks of this family are covered with luminous photophores and live in the deep waters of all oceans, except the Arctic. Their maximum size is only 30 cm.

A new species of sharks fully fits into this description: it was discovered at a depth of about 300 meters in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of northwestern Hawaiian islands. The length of the fish does not exceed 30 cm, and its weight is less than a kilogram. At the same time, Etmopterus lailae has one feature that distinguishes it from its family counterparts.

It took 17 years to open Etmopterus lailae. According to scientists, all over the world there are only about 450 known species of sharks, and new species are not found so often. In addition, the new species is very small due to its size and the fact that it lives in very deep waters: it is much more difficult to find such babies than the huge sharks that are more familiar to us.

Floating on the smell

Etmopterus lailae has unique features and characteristics that distinguish it from other luminous sharks. Firstly, this is an unusual shape of the head and an unusually large nose, on which the nostrils and olfactory organs are located. These creatures live in a deep marine environment, almost without light, so they need a great sense of smell to look for food.

Other distinctive characteristics of the new species include its lateral spots on the belly, a bare area without scales on the underside of the muzzle, as well as internal differences, such as fewer vertebrae and teeth. Like other members of the family, they also glow in the dark. The ability to shine can help sharks recognize each other, disguise themselves from predators, lure small fish and shrimp.

Scientists are sure that the find is only the tip of the iceberg, and further research will reveal new species, hitherto unknown, hiding in ocean waters.