FOSSILGUY.COM

Goblin Shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) at Natural History Museum in Vienna: Photo credit: Peter Halasz. (User:Pengo)

Shop Rock Hounding Gear on Amazon

Goblin Shark Facts and Information - The Details

Illustration of a Goblin Shark: By Waite Edgar
This illustration shows the jaws protruding from the mouth, which only occurs during feeding.

Order: Lamniformes Family: Mitsukurinidae Genus: Mitsukurina, Scapanorhynchus, Anomotodon

Distribution and Habits

Mitsukurina owstoni, the living Goblin Shark, or Elfin Shark, is a very rare shark to catch. Less than 50 specimens have been officially recorded and described, although in a rare event, over 100 were caught in 2003 off the coast of Taiwan. Many of the described specimens come from Japan. Although this shark is rarely caught, based on the locations of the specimens caught, they appear to have a nearly global distribution. Places where they have been caught include Japan, Australia, Portugal, South Africa, the Gulf of Mexico, and California.

Although the Goblin shark is a rare catch, they are probably common. The rarity is probably due to the fact this shark is a deep water bottom dweller that is rarely seen near the surface. Most are found on continental slopes between 270 to 960 m deep (FMNH). So they have almost no interaction with human fishing activity. They are listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Goblin Shark Physical Description

The pink to gray colored Goblin shark has a bizarre appearance. When Japanese fisherman would catch these in at the turn of the 20th century, they would call them "tenguzame," which loosley translates into "goblin." Goblin is a suitable name, as the shark has a very long and flat snout. It's eyes are very small, and when feeding, the jaws protrude from the mouth. The Goblin shark also has large pelvic and anal fins and a very long tail.

The pinkish appearance comes from the fact that the shark lacks most color pigments in it's skin. The pinkish color is actually comes from the flesh beneath it's skin. Living in the great ocean depths where there is no light, means it doesn't really need color!

The average adult length of a Goblin shark is somewhere around 11 feet, while the largest goblin measured was 12.6 ft (3.84 m) (FMNH).

Goblin Shark Jaw / Dentition

Diagram of a Goblin Shark showing the Jaws in the normal position,
and the extended position.
Diagram by Kurzon (Own Work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0].

In the deep ocean, there is no light, it's eyes are very small, and almost useless, however, it's long flat snout is full of electromagnetic sensors that can detect its prey.

A unique feature of the goblin shark is its jaws. The jaws are on a ligament hinge that can rapidly project forward, out of the mouth. This enables it to catch unsuspecting prey. This is sort of how a frogs tongue shoots out of the mouth to capture insects. Instead the whole jaw shoots out (see diagram of retracted vs. un-retracted jaw)

The goblin shark has a peg like dentition, similar to a sand tiger shark. The teeth are very long and slender. This dentition is ideal for grasping onto prey and swallowing it whole.

Prehistoric Goblin Sharks: A tale of a "Living Fossil"

A complete fossil Goblin shark: Scapanorhynchus lewisii from the Cretaceous Chalk of Sahel Alma, Lebanon - Photo by: Cirton (Own Work) , via GFDL & CC by SA3.0

There are 3 genera of Goblin Shark: Mitsukurina, Scapanorhynchus, and Anomotodon. All three are briefly described below:

Mitsukurina owstoni - The living Goblin shark

The living Goblin sharks have been placed in the genus Mitsukurina, while fossil ones are placed in different genera. There is currently debate whether or not to place some fossil genera (Scapanorhynchus) into the Mitsukurina genera. At any rate, there is only 1 living species of Goblin shark: Mitsukurina owstoni.


There are however, 2 separate fossil genera, which have many species attributed.

Scapanorhynchus sp. - Extint Goblin Shark
Lower to Upper Cretaceous

This is a larger genus of Goblin shark that closely resembles the Mitsukurina genus. In fact, it bears such a close resemblance that some researchers consider it to be synonymous with Mitsukurina.

Scapanorhynchus has a global distribution with many different species attributed to it. Some sources cite up to 8 different species, but many of these are probably synonymous with other species. 3 of the widely accepted species are:
S. lewisii, S. rapax, S. texanus

The most common species in the United States is S. texanus. It is commonly reported from Cretaceous outcroppings along the East and Gulf coast (Texas). One place where to find these Goblin shark teeth is the Big Brook, NJ fossil hunting location.

Anomotodon sp. - Extint Goblin Shark
Lower Cretaceous to Oligocene

Anomotodon appears to be a more sucessful prehistoric genera of Goblin shark. It is found past the Cretaceous into the Paleocene, Eocene, and Oligocene.

The most common species in the United States is A. novus. It is commonly reported from Eocene and Paleocene outcroppings along the East coast. One such location is along the Potomac River in Maryland.

Identification of Fossil Goblin Shark Teeth (Scapanorhynchus texanus):

Identification of the Gobline Shark: Scapanorhynchus texanus
S. texanus are the most common Goblin shark tooth found in Cretaceous sediments in the Eastern U.S. They can easily be confused with the smaller sand tiger sharks. Diagnostic characteristics include:

Anterior teeth are heavily striated (grooves running up the enamel).

Striations continue onto the root in anteriors and many laterals. Only unworn specimens will show this.

The roots have a deep nutrient groove in them (notch in the center).

Many of the teeth have one or two cusplets.

These are fossil Goblin Shark Teeth found on a Black Creek Group Fossil Hunting Trip

Fossil Goblin Shark Teeth - Scapanorhynchus texanus - from the Upper Cretaceous Black Creek Group.

> Images of Fossil Goblin Shark Teeth:

This shows Scapanorhynchus texanus (A Cretaceous Goblin Shark) tooth positions.
This does not show a complete dentition, it shows the variety of tooth shapes that can be found.

These are fossil Goblin Shark Teeth found at the Big Brook fossil hunting site.

This image shows Scapanorhynchus texanus fossil Goblin shark teeth from Big Brook, NJ. They are very similar to the living Goblin shark. The teeth have striations on their enamel and have cusps. For more images of S. texanus fossil shark teeth, go to the Big Brook Identification Page.

This image shows Anomotodon novus fossil Goblin Shark teeth from the Potomac River These teeth are much smaller than the other two genera. They also have enemel shoulders on the lateral teeth instead of cusps. The teeth are very slender and the enamel is smooth. The look very similar to sand tiger shark teeth.

Recommended Shark Books

Sharks of the World: A Complete Guide

Sharks of the World: A Complete Guide (Wild Nature Press)
Authors: Dr. David A. Ebert, Marc Dando, Dr. Sarah Fowler: 2021

Fully revised and updated, Sharks of the World is the ultimate reference guide for shark enthusiasts. Covering 536 species, it boasts vibrant illustrations, photos, and informative diagrams. The comprehensive guide incorporates the latest taxonomic revisions and offers insights into shark biology, ecology, and conservation. A must-have for any shark enthusiast.

101 American Fossil Sites You've Gotta See

101 American Fossil Sites You've Gotta See
Albert B Dickas, 2018

This is a great updated fossil sites book with at least one fossil site in each state. Each site is broken into 2 pages. One has detailed information, such as directions, GPS coordinates, formation information, etc... The other is dedicated to images of the site and the fossils found there. It also gives information on fossil 'viewing' sites such as dinosaur trackways, museums, and active excavations.
Plus, my fossil photos are peppered throughout this book!

Dinosauria and Prehistoric creatures: Ancient Sharks

Dinosauria and Prehistoric creatures: Ancient Sharks

Shetan Noir's paperback compilation of interviews with leading prehistoric shark experts, including Dr. Shimada, Kent, and Godfrey, offers diverse insights on an array of prehistoric shark topics like Helicoprion jaw structure. Despite minor formatting issues, the large-print book, over 100 pages with vibrant photos, provides a quick, fascinating read. Highly recommended for any prehistoric shark enthusiast. Plus I have a chapter in it!