The Velvet Belly – Etmopterus spinax is a species of deep-sea shark belonging to the family Etmopteridae, commonly known as lantern sharks. This species is characterized by its distinctive velvety black belly and its relatively small size.
Description & Characteristics
The Etmopterus spinax is a small shark, with a maximum recorded size of 60.0 cm. It exhibits a slender, elongated body with a pointed snout. The most notable feature of this species is its dark coloration. The dorsal surface is a dark grey to brown, while the ventral surface is a distinctive velvety black. This coloration serves as camouflage, making it difficult for predators to spot them from below against the darkness of the deep sea. The Etmopterus spinax also possesses a series of photophores, light-producing organs, along its body, primarily concentrated on the ventral surface. These photophores may play a role in communication or attracting prey.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Etmopterus spinax is a bathypelagic shark, meaning it inhabits the deep ocean zone, specifically the bathypelagic zone, which ranges from 70.0 to 2490.0 meters in depth. This species is found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, including the waters around the British Isles, the Bay of Biscay, and the Mediterranean Sea. The Etmopterus spinax is a common inhabitant of these deep-sea environments, particularly the bathypelagic zone.
Taxonomy
The species Etmopterus spinax belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Squaliformes, and Family: Etmopteridae. The Class Elasmobranchii encompasses cartilaginous fishes, including sharks, rays, and skates. The Order Squaliformes includes dogfish sharks, sleeper sharks, and lantern sharks, which are characterized by their elongated bodies and five gill slits. The Family Etmopteridae, also known as lantern sharks, includes a diverse group of small, deep-sea sharks that are distinguished by their bioluminescent photophores.
Feeding
The Etmopterus spinax is a carnivorous predator that feeds primarily on a diet of crustaceans, such as crabs, as well as cephalopods like sepia, and jellyfish. Their diet reflects their deep-sea environment, where these organisms are abundant. The Etmopterus spinax is a highly adaptable feeder, and its diet may vary depending on the availability of prey in its specific habitat.
Image References