AY Honors/Species Account/Etmopterus perryi

Etmopterus perryi

Dwarf Lanternshark (Etmopterus perryi)

Where found: The upper continental slopes off Colombia and Venezuela, at a depth of 283–439 m (928–1,440 ft).

Description: The dwarf lanternshark (Etmopterus perryi) is a species of dogfish shark in the family. With a maximum length of 21.2 cm (8.3 in) it is the smallest shark in the world. This species can be identified by its small size at maturity, long flattened head, and pattern of black ventral markings and a mid-dorsal line. Like other members of its genus, it is capable of producing light from a distinctive array of photophores. Reproduction is aplacental viviparous, with females gestating two or three young at a time. The dwarf lanternshark is not significant to commercial fisheries. It is featured in the cartoon The Octonauts And The Dwarf Lanternshark.