blurred lanternshark (Etmopterus bigelowi) Description
English: Blurred smooth lantern shark (Etmopterus bigelowi)
Source http://fishbase.org/photos/PicturesSummary.php?ID=25482&what=species
Author NOAANMFSMississippi Laboratory
Location: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Etmopterus_bigelowi.jpg
The blurred lanternshark (Etmopterus bigelowi) is a little-known species of dogfish shark in the family Etmopteridae, found around the world in benthic and pelagic habitats from a depth of 110 m to over 1 km down. This shark forms the E. pusillus species group with the smooth lanternshark, which are distinguished from other members of its family by having irregularly arranged, flat-topped dermal denticles that give them a "smooth" appearance. Both species are slender-bodied with long heads, two dorsal fins bearing spines, no anal fins, and light-emitting photophores. The blurred lanternshark is larger, reaching 67 cm or more in length. This species feeds on small squid, fishes, and fish eggs, and is ovoviviparous. It has been assessed as of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, because of its wide distribution and lack of threat from fishing pressure. Order: Squaliformes, Family: Etmopteridae.