Cylindrical lanternshark
Cylindrical lanternshark ( Etmopterus carteri )
The Cylindrical lanternshark ( Etmopterus carteri ) is a species of the genus Etmopterus within the lantern sharks ( Etmopterinae; classified as family Etmopteridae ). With only 16 to 20 centimeters in body length and a weight of 150 grams, it is considered next to the dwarf lanternshark (E. perryi ) as the smallest known species of sharks. The range of the species includes only individual deep- sea areas on the coast of Colombia in the Caribbean.
Appearance and characteristics
The Cylindrical lanternshark is a very small shark with a known body length of 16 to 20 cm and a body weight of 150 grams. He has a typical for the lantern sharks elongated body having a cylindrically shaped head. The body color is brown without consistently concentrations typical of the lantern sharks light organs. The fins are marked with a pale reticulation.
It has no anal fin and two dorsal fins with the regulatory typical spines before the dorsal fin. The first dorsal fin starts behind the end of the pectoral fins and is slightly smaller than the second dorsal fin. Like all species of the family owned pets five gill slits and have a spray hole behind the eye.
Dissemination
The range of the species includes only individual deep- sea areas on the coast of Colombia in the Caribbean. Here it is known from depths of 283-356 meters, but could also occur at greater depths.
Way of life
The Cylindrical lanternshark live in coastal areas over the continental shelf and occurs at depths 283-356 meters and possibly even lower. Like other sharks it feeds predatory, probably of smaller fish and invertebrates. About his life are no data and observations.
He is like other species of the order viviparous, further information on the reproductive missing.
Endangering
The Cylindrical lanternshark is not listed in the IUCN Red List. However, it has no meaning as a food fish and is accordingly no directed fishing.