The Smalleye lanternshark (Etmopterus litvinovi) is a shark belonging to the family Etmopteridae found in the southeast Pacific off Peru and Chile, at depths between 2,067-3,610 feet. It is larger with a length is up to 2 feet. There is very little known about this shark. It is plain in color.
Family: Etmopteridae – Lantern Sharks
Genus: Etmopterus
Species: litvinovi
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Subclass– Elasmobranchii
Common Name– Dogfish Sharks
Family– Etmopteridae
Common Name– Lantern Sharks
Genus– Etmopterus
Species– litvinovi
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: It is uncertain at what lengths the Smalleye lanternshark are born at. They are born at less than 17 cm/6.7 inches though. The maximum recorded length of 61 cm/2 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The upper teeth typically have 1-3 pairs of cusplets. The lower teeth are much larger and broader than the upper teeth.
Head: The head of the Smalleye lanternshark is large and flat. In comparison to the size of the shark, the eyes are smaller than others of its family.
Denticles: The dermal denticles of the Smalleye lanternshark are stout, conical and hooked. They are not arranged in rows on the trunk.
Tail: The tail of the Smalleye lanternshark is somewhat long.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Smalleye lanternshark can be found in the southeastern Pacific in Nazca and Sala y Gomes Ridges off of Peru and Chile. They can be found on the upper slopes on or near the bottom between 2,067-3,610 feet.
Aesthetic Identification: The Smalleye lanternshark is somewhat stout and large and is plain in color. There aren’t any conspicuous markings. The gill openings are long. The interdorsal space is short. The first dorsal fin origin is behind the pectoral rear tips. The second dorsal fin is slightly larger than the first.
Biology and Reproduction: Unknown, but presumably ovoviviparous.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Smalleye Lanternshark Future and Conservation: Not evaluated and not of interest to fisheries.
Smalleye Lanternshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.