What Are The Smallest Sharks In The World?

The species of the smallest sharks in the world are densely populated and are found in the oceans around the world. These include Dwarf Lanternshark, Short tail Lanternshark, Green Lanternshar, Atlantic Ghost Catshark, and Shorttail Lanternshark.

Let’s have a look at the species of the smallest sharks in the world one by one.

1. Dwarf lanternshark

Dwarf lanternshark is the smallest shark in the ocean with a maximum size of 8.2 inches (21.2 cm). Dwarf Lanternshark is smaller than the hand of a human. These shark species live on the coasts of Venezuela and Colombia at altitudes of 929 to 1440 feet (283 to 439 meters) along the shelf of the continent. These smallest sharks mostly eat krill. They are bioluminescent in addition to being the smallest known sharks in the world.

2. Panama Ghost Catshark

The Panama Ghost shark is on second in the list of smallest sharks in the world. It can be found only swimming in the water just in front of Panama. Males of this species mature at a length of about 8.2 inches. The shark contains very large scale slits, small nostrils and a mouth that has been anteriorly stretched. The body is thin, pale in color and has no distinctive mark on fins.

3. Green lanternshark

Green Lanternshark is a common fishing bycatch and has been studied deeply than other smaller sharks. At about 9 inches, the green lantern swims in the waters of the west-central Atlantic. This shark has a slender body, is classified as a type of catfish shark and has a pointed nose with a long, narrow tail. It ranges from dark brown to gray, having a black snout and lower body. The black marks on the tail also contain significant light-emitting photophores.

4. Atlantic Ghost Catshark

Atlantic Catshark also known as Atlantic Ghost Catshark is one of the smallest sharks on the list. It has a length of 9.25 inches (25 cm). This species is found in the eastern Atlantic around the Portuguese island of Madeira. Scientists believe that it is a deep-sea shark. The Atlantic Ghost Catshark feeds on small baitfish and is brown in color.  He has a broad snout, with two very large eyes and enlarged nostrils. It has 2 small dorsal fins, with a relatively large anal fin with a wide base.

5. Short-tail lanternshark

Shorttail Lanternshark is on the 5^th number in the list of smallest sharks in the world. The long tail and the slender body distinguish the short-tailed shark from other sharks. Measuring 9.45 inches, it is mainly found in the waters around the Philippines. Shorttail Lanternshark is brown in color with black marks on the lower abdomen and snout.

These smallest shark species highlight the diversity of shark species. They live in the oceans around the world. They hunt everything from krill to crustaceans and bony fish and enjoy the unique biological adaptations to their environment. Small sharks differ from big sharks ​​and help break stereotypes of sharks.