Goblin Shark

Mitsukurina owstoni

The goblin shark, also called the elfin shark, is an elusive and rarely seen shark. Thought to be extinct for 100 million years...before it's re-discovery in 1897 off the coast of Japan. It was named Mitsukurina owstoni, after it's dicoverer's. However, a year later, it was recognized to be of a much older order, thought to be extinct  Scapanorhynchus. Thus it became S. owstoni until researchers discovered the differances in the teeth and fins in the live specimens, compared to the fossilized specimens. Thus, M. owstoni was re-instated as its scientific name. It classed in the order of Lamniformes. It has a sharp snout, with long, needle-like teeth. It lives at great depths (which is why it's rarely seen)  It's maximum size is 12 1/2 ft, and is found in the waters off off Japan, India, Potrugal, and Australia. The Australian goblin shark is the largest found at 12 1/2 ft, and 3150 ft deep. Most of the specimens were taken at depths of 1,150 feet, off Japan.

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