The Blackmouth lanternshark (Etmopterus evansi) is a shark belonging to the family Etmopteridae. It is found off northwestern Australia and the Arafura Sea. They can be found over reefs and shoals in deep water.
Family: Etmopteridae – Lantern Sharks
Genus: Etmopterus
Species: evansi
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Subclass– Elasmobranchii
Common Name– Dogfish Sharks
Family– Etmopteridae
Common Name– Lantern Sharks
Genus– Etmopterus
Species– evansi
Status: IUCN Red List LEAST CONCERN
Average Size and Length: Mature males have been recorded at 26 cm/10.2 inches and the maximum known length is at least 12 inches.
Head: There are dark borders around the mouth, above the eyes and sometimes around the gill slits. There are large eyes much closer to the tip of the snout than the first gill slit.
Denticles: There are hook-like dermal denticles which are arranged in distinct but weakly defined rows along the dorsal midline and on the caudal peduncle, but not on the head.
Tail: There is a dark ventral blotch on the caudal peduncle. There are distinct black markings on the upper caudal fin which display dark bands through the middle and tip of the upper lobe.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Blackmouth lanternshark can be found in the Pacific Ocean in northwest Australia and in the Arafura Sea in Indonesia. They are found over shoals and reefs on the continental shelves between 1,411-1,805 feet.
Aesthetic Identification: The Blackmouth lanternshark has a slender body. It is light brown above and darker below. There are distinct black markings behind the pelvic fins.
Biology and Reproduction: Unknown, but presumably ovoviviparous.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Blackmouth Lanternshark Future and Conservation: At this moment they are of least concern, however, could become bycatch as fisheries start to expand.
Blackmouth Lanternshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.