African lanternshark
| African lanternshark | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Chondrichthyes |
| Subclass: | Elasmobranchii |
| Division: | Selachii |
| Order: | Squaliformes |
| Family: | Etmopteridae |
| Genus: | Etmopterus |
| Species: | E. polli
|
| Binomial name | |
| Etmopterus polli | |
| Range of the African lanternshark (in blue) | |
The African Lanternshark (Etmopterus polli) is a member of the family Etmopteridae. Found in the Atlantic, on the west coast of Africa, the African Lanternshark is known for its bioluminescent features, which aid in its hunting habits. Little is known about them; their bioluminescent features, mating and reproduction, and diet remain largely unknown. Over the past 20 or so years, research has picked up, focusing on learning about their placoid scales and reproduction.