Q:
What is a small shark called?
A:
Quick Answer
The smallest shark in the world is known as the dwarf lantern shark. The shark is found off the northern shores of South America and rarely exceeds more than 8 inches in length.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Since the dwarf lantern shark mainly inhabits ocean waters at depths between 900 and 1,500 feet, little is known about the species, which has only been observed a handful of times. The dwarf lantern shark is named for the light-emitting photophores found along its belly and fins. The organs are used to camouflage the fish in the sunlight when it feeds in shallower waters and to attract prey in darker waters.
Learn more about SharksSources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
What are the characteristics of a tiger shark vs. a great white?
A: Great white sharks grow up to 21 feet long, have a lifespan of approximately 70 years and live in all the world's oceans. In contrast, tiger sharks grow to... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How big is a newborn shark?
A: Newborn shark sizes vary by shark species; for example, a newborn great white is typically about 4 feet long, while blacktip reef shark newborns are consid... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What eats a shark?
A: Though sharks are considered apex predators, they are often eaten by humans and are sometimes eaten by killer whales. Shark embryos from different fathers ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How does a shark protect itself?
A: The 400 living species of sharks defend themselves in a variety of ways that vary from species to species. Large species, such as great whites, basking sha... Full Answer >Filed Under:
