Goblin Shark's Jaws Outpace Ocean Counterparts, Snapping Shuttle-Like at 3.1 Meters per Second

In the depths of the ocean, where light fades and pressure mounts, a curious creature rules the benthopelagic zone. This is the home of the goblin shark, a deep-sea specialist that has captured the imagination of marine biologists for over a century.

First discovered off the coast of Japan in 1898, the goblin shark, scientifically known as Mitsukurina owstoni, has been a source of fascination ever since. Its unique features, such as its extended jaws and highly sensitive snout, set it apart from other sharks.

The goblin shark's snout is lined with specialized electroreceptors called ampullae of Lorenzini. These organs detect faint electrical signals from nearby animals, such as heartbeats or nervous system activity. This sensitive equipment allows the goblin shark to detect prey even in the darkest depths of the ocean.

When the goblin shark has locked onto its prey, it uses a hunting strategy known as "slingshot feeding." Once it opens its mouth, a double set of ligaments at the mandibular joints allows its open jaws to slingshot outwards, reaching speeds of approximately 3.1 meters (10 feet) per second. This is the fastest speed recorded in any fish, earning the goblin shark the title of a goblin king worthy of the goblin crown.

The study of the goblin shark's feeding strategy was first analysed in 2016, when world-first footage of the goblin shark feeding was analysed. The research concluded that the slingshot feeding strategy was not only highly effective but also incredibly fast.

Despite its formidable hunting abilities, the goblin shark is not a threat to humans. Its deep-sea habitat means our paths don't cross, and there has never been a human fatality linked to a goblin shark. The goblin shark's unique feeding strategy, its sensitive snout, and its extended jaws are all adaptations that help it thrive in the depths of the ocean, far from human interaction.

In conclusion, the goblin shark is a fascinating creature that has adapted to life in the deep sea in remarkable ways. Its unique hunting strategy, sensitive snout, and extended jaws make it a formidable predator in its own ecosystem, but it poses no threat to humans. The goblin shark remains a source of fascination and study for marine biologists around the world.

Goblin Shark's Jaws Outpace Ocean Counterparts, Snapping Shuttle-Like at 3.1 Meters per Second