What Is The Smallest Species Of Shark
The shark is a type of fish with a large, long body and predominant dorsal fin. They have a full cartilaginous skeleton and most species of shark have several rows of sharp teeth. They are covered with a layer of dermal denticles that protects their skin from damage and parasites. This covering also gives them greater speed when swimming. There are 440 species of shark the world over and they can be found in all the oceans of the world. Sharks are found in saltwater environments, but two species, the bull shark and the river shark, have the ability to live in both fresh water and saltwater.
What Is The Smallest Species Of Shark?
The world’s smallest shark is said to be the dwarf lantern shark (Etmopterus perryi). When fully grown this shark reaches a length of just 6.7 inches (17cm). The females of this species are slightly larger at 7 1/2 to 8 inches (19 – 20 cm). This tiny shark can only be found on the upper continental slopes off Colombia and Venezuela, at a depth of 283–439 m (928–1,440 ft). It is capable of producing light so that it can attract prey in its dark habitat. It is difficult to know if this species is the smallest shark on the planet as there have only been a limited number of sightings.
Some other species of shark that may be the smallest are the Spined pygmy shark (Squaliolus laticaudus) and the Pygmy ribbon tail cat shark (Eridacnis radcliffei). The Spined Pygmy female shark has been measured at approximately 8 inches (21 cm) at full growth. The male have measured in at 7 inches (18 cm) long. The fully- grown female Pygmy ribbon tail cat shark grows to a length of 6 to 7 inches (15-16 cm). In this species of shark the male is slightly linger when fully grown at 7 to 7 1/2 inches (18 – 19 cm) long for males.
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