Odonus
Odonus is a genus of deep-sea sharks, characterized by their unique appearance and dentition. They are commonly known as “bristle mouth sharks” due to the numerous, hair-like teeth that line their jaws. These sharks are relatively small, with most species reaching lengths of less than 1 meter. They are found in deep waters worldwide, often residing at depths greater than 1,000 meters.
Characteristics
Members of the genus Odonus share several distinctive features:
- Slender body shape: They have a long, cylindrical body with a pointed snout.
- Small eyes: Their eyes are small and relatively undeveloped, reflecting their life in perpetually dark depths.
- Numerous teeth: Their most striking feature is the multitude of bristle-like teeth that cover their jaws. These teeth are adapted for filtering food from the water column.
- Small dorsal fins: They possess two small dorsal fins, the first of which is located far back on the body.
- Biofluorescence: Some species within Odonus exhibit biofluorescence, emitting a faint, greenish glow under certain wavelengths of light.
Environment
Odonus sharks are predominantly found in deep-sea environments, typically inhabiting depths greater than 1,000 meters. They prefer areas with cold temperatures and high pressures. These sharks are often associated with the bathypelagic zone, which extends from approximately 1,000 to 4,000 meters below the surface. They are widely distributed throughout the world's oceans, with some species having a more restricted range.
Diet
These sharks are believed to be opportunistic feeders, utilizing their bristle-like teeth to filter small organisms from the water column. Their diet likely consists of zooplankton, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. They may also occasionally feed on larger organisms, such as fish and squid.
Species
There are currently four recognized species within the genus Odonus:
- Odonus niger (Black Bristlemouth Shark)
- Odonus dentatus (Bristlemouth Shark)
- Odonus pugetensis (Puget Sound Bristlemouth Shark)
- Odonus ventricosa (Bigbelly Bristlemouth Shark)
References
For more detailed information on Odonus, please refer to the following resources: