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Quick answer
The goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) is a deep-sea shark with a blade-like snout and jaws that shoot forward to snatch fish and squid. Rarely seen alive, it inhabits continental slopes worldwide and is often recorded off Japan. Adults may reach 3–4 m; IUCN lists it Least Concern owing to wide distribution despite rarity in nets.
Top questions about the Goblin Shark
Goblin Shark facts at a glance
- Weight 200 kg
- Length 3.5 m
- Top speed 15 km/h
- Lifespan 30 years
| Scientific name | Mitsukurina owstoni |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Deep continental slopes and seamounts |
| Lifespan | Around 30 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 200 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 15 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Chondrichthyes |
| Order | Lamniformes |
| Family | Mitsukurinidae |
| Genus | Mitsukurina |
Where it lives
The goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) is native to Deep continental slopes worldwide; often recorded off Japan. — recorded across Asia, Oceania, North America, Africa, Europe in this guide’s range summary.
For occurrence records, see GBIF species search and sources below.
How big is a goblin shark?
An adult goblin shark measures 3.5 m long — about 2.0× the height of an average adult person (1.73 m) — and weighs around 200 kg, about 2.9× an average adult’s body weight (70 kg).
Length vs an average adult’s height (to scale)
What is a group of goblin sharks called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Goblin Sharks is called a school.
Baby name
A baby Goblin Shark is called a pup.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Slingshot jaws of the deep
The flattened snout bears ampullae of Lorenzini for sensing prey. When a fish nears, jaws protrude dramatically on ligaments — a unique feeding strike. Soft, pinkish bodies suit high-pressure, low-light slopes.
Fish and cephalopods below 200 m
Diet includes deep-water fish, squid, and crustaceans detected in darkness more by electroreception than vision. Across its range it is tied to deep continental slopes and seamounts, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.
Global continental slopes
Deep slopes and seamounts worldwide; many scientific specimens come from Japanese waters, but the species is cosmopolitan in suitable depths.
Rare bycatch, Least Concern
Seldom targeted; occasional deep-longline or trawl bycatch provides most records. Listed Least Concern because no evidence shows a concentrated decline, though deep-sea fisheries remain a watchpoint.
Explore the Goblin Shark
Related Fishs
Conservation status of the Goblin Shark
The goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Least Concern (LC) is the IUCN's lowest-risk category, assigned to widespread, abundant species that have been evaluated and found not to be threatened. It does not mean a species faces no pressures — only that it is not currently at risk of extinction.
The goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) is assessed on the IUCN Red List. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Goblin Shark
Why is it called a goblin shark?
The elongated, somewhat grotesque snout and pinkish colour reminded early scientists of goblin folklore.
How do goblin shark jaws work?
They project forward rapidly to seize prey, then retract — specialised for sudden strikes in the dark.
Do goblin sharks live near the surface?
Rarely — they are deep-slope animals usually well below recreational diving depths.
Are goblin sharks dangerous to people?
Encounters with living animals are exceedingly rare; they are not a coastal threat.
Where are goblin sharks found?
Deep continental slopes worldwide, with many records from off Japan. Native range summary: Deep continental slopes worldwide; often recorded off Japan.
What is a group of goblin sharks called?
A group of Goblin Sharks is called a school.
What is a baby goblin shark called?
A baby Goblin Shark is called a pup.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Goblin Shark:
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IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Mitsukurina owstoni.
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iNaturalist — observations & photos
Search citizen-science observations and community IDs for Mitsukurina owstoni. Useful for range checks and recent sightings — not a substitute for formal Red List status.
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GBIF — occurrence data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility species search for Mitsukurina owstoni. Explore published occurrence records used in range research.
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How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
