The pygmy shark is the second smallest shark species after the dwarf lanternshark. It is a squaliform shark belonging to the family of kitefin sharks.
Pygmy Shark Scientific Classification |
|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Chondrichthyes |
| Order | Squaliformes |
| Family | Dalatiidae |
| Genus | Euprotomicrus |
| Scientific Name | E. bispinatus |
Description
Male pygmy sharks are around 6.7-7.5 inches, while females are bigger at 8.7-9.1 inches. Their bodies are tiny and cylindrical, with a bulbous snout, light-edged fins, and little gills. The second dorsal fin is noticeably larger than the flag-like first one, and the caudal fin is symmetrical and shaped like a paddle.
The pygmy sharks are black.
Where do they live
Map Of The Pygmy Shark’s Habitat
These sharks live in the amphitemperate areas in the south Atlantic, south Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They move throughout the epipelagic, mesopelagic, and bathypelagic zones, living at depths of 6,000 -32,605 ft and migrating to 4,921 ft during the day.
Behavior
Hunting
Their diet includes bony fish, crustaceans, and squids, though the ones they feed on tend to be smaller in size for the shark to consume.
Reproductive
These sharks are ovoviviparous, giving live birth to 8 pups per litter.
Adaptations
Similar to the Tailight shark, these sharks have a light-generating organ on the underside of their bodies.
Interactions with humans
The IUCN classifies this shark as “Least Concern” or “LC”. New Zealand’s Department of Classification allocated the pygmy shark as “Not Threatened”, with the added qualifier “Secure Overseas”.
