{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "goblin-shark",
  "name": "Goblin Shark",
  "scientificName": "Mitsukurina owstoni",
  "category": "Fish",
  "summary": "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.",
  "conservationStatus": "Least Concern",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Chordata",
    "class": "Chondrichthyes",
    "order": "Lamniformes",
    "family": "Mitsukurinidae",
    "genus": "Mitsukurina"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 200,
    "lengthM": 3.5,
    "topSpeedKmh": 15,
    "lifespanYears": 30
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Mitsukurina owstoni"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Carnivore"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Deep continental slopes and seamounts"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "Around 30 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity)."
    },
    {
      "label": "Weight",
      "value": "About 200 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary)."
    },
    {
      "label": "Top speed",
      "value": "Up to roughly 15 km/h when moving at speed."
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Least Concern (IUCN)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "Deep continental slopes worldwide; often recorded off Japan.",
    "continents": [
      "Asia",
      "Oceania",
      "North America",
      "Africa",
      "Europe"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/goblin-shark/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/goblin-shark/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}