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Science & Nature • Marine Biology

Goblin shark

The goblin shark (*Mitsukurina owstoni*) is a rare deep-sea shark and the only living species in the family Mitsukurinidae.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) is a rare deep-sea shark and the only living species in the family Mitsukurinidae. It is known for its elongated snout, protrusible jaws, and pinkish body colour. The species lives in deep waters in oceans around the world and is usually encountered only rarely.

Description

The goblin shark has a pinkish body colour, a long flattened snout, and highly protrusible jaws lined with nail-like teeth. Its unusual appearance has led to comparisons with goblins in Japanese folklore.

Habitat and distribution

Goblin sharks live in deep marine waters, including continental slopes, submarine canyons, and seamounts. Records place them in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, but they are rarely seen. Adults generally live deeper than juveniles, often on or near continental slopes.

Biology and behaviour

The species is adapted to life in dark water, with sensory organs on the snout that help detect electric fields. It feeds on deep-sea prey and is generally considered a slow-swimming shark. Most goblin sharks reach around 3 to 4 metres in length, with exceptional individuals up to about 6 metres.

Conservation

Despite being rare and poorly studied, the goblin shark is currently classified by the IUCN as Least Concern. Available information suggests that it is not considered at immediate risk of extinction.

Key facts

  • A rare deep-sea shark, the goblin shark is the only extant member of its family.
  • It has a long, flattened snout and highly protrusible jaws with prominent teeth.
  • It is found in scattered locations in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
  • Adults generally live deeper than juveniles, often on or near continental slopes.
  • The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter goblin shark coverage in marine biology, aquarium education, and ocean conservation reporting, but the species is not known as a Canadian endemic and is generally associated with deep-ocean habitats worldwide.

Frequently asked questions

What is a goblin shark?
A goblin shark is a rare deep-sea shark species, *Mitsukurina owstoni*, and the only living member of its family.
Where do goblin sharks live?
They live in deep waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, especially along continental slopes and in submarine canyons.
How big can a goblin shark get?
Most reach around 3 to 4 metres, but exceptional individuals have been reported at about 6 metres.
Why is it called a goblin shark?
The name refers to its unusual face and snout, which were compared with goblins in Japanese folklore.
Are goblin sharks dangerous to humans?
They live at great depths and are not considered a threat to people.
What is its conservation status?
The IUCN lists the goblin shark as Least Concern.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/goblin-shark
    Supports: Scientific identity, family, rarity, and general description.
  2. Smithsonian Ocean — https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/sharks-rays/goblin-shark
    Supports: Snout sensory organs, coloration, and deep-sea adaptations.
  3. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — https://www.fws.gov/story/goblin-sharks
    Supports: Deep-water habitat and limited observations.
  4. Ocean Conservancy — https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2024/02/08/all-about-goblin-sharks/
    Supports: IUCN Least Concern status.
  5. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/goblin-shark
    Supports: Size, habitat, and name origin related to Japanese folklore.