Introduction to Pygmy sharks

Pygmy sharks, also known as dwarf lantern sharks, are one of the smallest sharks in the world. They belong to the family Etmopteridae and are found in deep-sea waters across the globe. These sharks are named for their small size and their ability to glow in the dark, thanks to special light-producing cells called photophores.

Size and characteristics of Pygmy sharks

Pygmy sharks are tiny, measuring only 21 to 22 cm in length at maturity. They have slender bodies and large eyes adapted for seeing in the dark depths of the ocean. These sharks have a unique ability to produce light from their bodies, making them visible even in complete darkness. They feed primarily on small fish and shrimp, and are known to live for up to 30 years.

Distribution of Pygmy sharks

Pygmy sharks are found in oceans around the world, from the Atlantic to the Indian to the Pacific. They are typically found at depths of 200 to 1000 meters, and are most commonly encountered near the continental slopes and oceanic ridges.

Habitat of Pygmy sharks

Pygmy sharks inhabit the deep sea, where the water is cold and dark. They prefer areas with rough, rocky terrain, and are often found hiding in crevices and caves. These sharks are adapted to withstand the high pressure and low oxygen levels of the deep sea, and are rarely seen near the surface.

Pygmy sharks in the Atlantic Ocean

Pygmy sharks are found throughout the Atlantic Ocean, from the western coast of Africa to the eastern coast of South America. They are most commonly found in the deep waters off the coast of Brazil, but have also been reported in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of West Africa.

Pygmy sharks in the Indian Ocean

Pygmy sharks are found throughout the Indian Ocean, from the coast of Africa to the waters around Australia. They are most commonly found in the deep waters off the coast of Madagascar and the Seychelles, but have also been reported in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Pygmy sharks in the Pacific Ocean

Pygmy sharks are found throughout the Pacific Ocean, from the waters around Japan to the coast of Chile. They are most commonly found in the deep waters off the coast of California and Mexico, but have also been reported in the waters around Hawaii and Australia.

Pygmy sharks in the Mediterranean Sea

Pygmy sharks have been reported in the Mediterranean Sea, but are considered very rare in this region. They are most commonly found in the deep waters off the coast of North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean.

Pygmy sharks in the Red Sea

Pygmy sharks have been reported in the Red Sea, but are considered very rare in this region. They are most commonly found in the deep waters off the coast of Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Threats to Pygmy sharks

Pygmy sharks are not targeted by commercial fisheries, but are sometimes caught accidentally as bycatch. They are also threatened by deep-sea trawling and oil and gas exploration, which can damage their habitat. Climate change and ocean acidification may also pose a threat to these sharks in the future.

Conservation efforts for Pygmy sharks

There are currently no specific conservation measures in place for pygmy sharks. However, efforts to reduce deep-sea trawling and protect vulnerable deep-sea habitats may indirectly benefit these sharks.

Conclusion: Where to see Pygmy sharks?

Pygmy sharks are not commonly seen by humans, as they inhabit the deep sea at depths that are difficult to access. However, if you are interested in seeing these tiny creatures, your best bet is to visit an aquarium that specializes in deep-sea species. Some aquariums, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, have pygmy sharks on display.