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Goblin shark

(Mitsukurina owstoni)

 

Category: Fish

 

 

Goblin sharks are a rare, deep sea species are the only extant member of the family Mitsukurinidae. With its pink skin, flabby body, small fins, and highly protrusible jaws, the goblin shark presents a unique and highly specialized example of shark anatomy – these adaptation suggest it is a slow-moving, ambush predator. They have been caught in all the world’s major oceans, indicating a worldwide distribution.

 

Data & Facts

Scientific Classification
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Chondrichthyes
Order - Lamniformes
Family - Mitsukurinidae
Genus - Mitsukurina
Species - M. owstoni

 
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Interesting Animal Facts

The fish that could drown (and other amazing tales)

Fish are masters of aquatic living, though some manage to do pretty well on land, too! Of living species, the mudskipper is probably the best adapted to life out of water - in fact, a mudskipper will drown if it can’t periodically come to the surface! This unusual fish uses its powerful, almost leg-like fins to walk on land and can even use them to “skip” up to 2 feet in the air! Similar to many amphibians, the mudskipper is able to breathe through its skin and the linings of its mouth and throat. It also seals water in its gill chambers when it leaves the water for extended stays on the land, much like a scuba diver brings air with them!-

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