The False lanternshark or sometimes called the False Pygmy Lanternshark (Etmopterus pseudosqualiolus) is a shark belonging to the family Etmopteridae found in the western Pacific from the Norfolk Ridge and Lord Howe Ridge off New Caledonia. This shark prefers oceanic ridges and is possibly semi-oceanic.
Family: Etmopteridae – Lantern Sharks
Genus: Etmopterus
Species: pseudosqualiolus
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Subclass– Elasmobranchii
Common Name– Dogfish Sharks
Family– Etmopteridae
Common Name– Lantern Sharks
Genus– Etmopterus
Species– pseudosqualiolus
Status: IUCN Red List LEAST CONCERN
Average Size and Length: Mature males have been measured between 1.3-1.5 feet in length.
Teeth and Jaw: In male False lanternsharks the teeth have 3-5 pairs of cusplets.
Head: The snout of the False lanternshark is short and deep. The eyes are short and round.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The False lanternshark can be found in the west Pacific in Norfolk and Lord Howe ridges near New Caledonia. They are found in oceanic ridges between 3,422-3,616 feet. They are possibly semi-oceanic.
Aesthetic Identification: The body of the False lanternshark is fusiform. The False lanternshark is dark brown to black dorsally. The tail is a bit lighter. The ventral side is dark, but not abruptly black. The posterior fin margins are pale. Dark bands are absent from the middle of the caudal fin. The terminal caudal lobe is dark. There is ab elongated, but not so apparent photomark with photophores on the caudal base of the caudal fin. The pectoral fins are small.
Biology and Reproduction: Unknown, but presumably ovoviviparous.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
False Lanternshark Future and Conservation: They are of least concern because they are a deepwater species with a range that is limited and uncommon to commercial fisheries.
False Lanternshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.