The Shorttail lanternshark (Etmopterus brachyurus) is a shark belonging to the family Etmopteridae. They can be found in the western Pacific Ocean. It has long tail markings and lines of hooked dermal denticles running down the shark.
Family: Etmopteridae – Lantern Sharks
Genus: Etmopterus
Species: brachyurus
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Subclass– Elasmobranchii
Common Name– Dogfish Sharks
Family– Etmopteridae
Common Name– Lantern Sharks
Genus– Etmopterus
Species– brachyurus
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: Mature males are between 24-28 cm. Mature females have been recorded at 42 cm. The maximum length is at least 1.4 feet481.
Teeth and Jaw: The upper teeth of the Shorttail lanternshark are pointed. The lower teeth are knife like.
Head: The head of the Shorttail lanternshark is broad. The snout is thick and flat. There is a very large eye that is closer to the tip of the snout than to the first gill slit.
Denticles: The skin of the Shorttail lanternshark is somewhat rough. There are noticeable lines of hooked dermal denticles that run from the snout to the tip of the caudal fin.
Tail: Like its name, the tail of the Shorttail lanternshark is short.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Shorttail lanternshark can be found in the west Pacific in the Philippines, Japan and in Australia. They have been found near the bottom around 1,578 feet.
Aesthetic Identification: The Shorttail lanternshark has a small and slender body. The underside of the body is noticeably darker than the dorsal side. There are two dorsal fins with grooved spines. The first is smaller than the second. There is a long, weakly curved to the rear second spine. That curved spine is seen in adults. There are prominent ventral and very long tail markings.
Biology and Reproduction: Unknown, but presumably ovoviviparous.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Shorttail Lanternshark Future and Conservation: The Shorttail lanternshark is not evaluated. It is of no interest to fisheries.
Shorttail Lanternshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.