Etmopterus bullisi

Etmopterus bullisi, Lined Lantern Shark. Source: Wikipedia, 01/02/2026.
Etmopterus bullisi, Lined Lantern Shark.
Source: Wikipedia, 01/02/2026.
FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
EtmopteridaeEtmopterus bullisiBigelow & Schroeder1957Lined Lantern Shark

Etmopterus bullisi

Unique CharactersSmall sharks with cylindrical or slightly compressed bodies, without ridges between pectoral and pelvic fins and without precaudal pits and caudal keels. Body and fins greyish to blackish brown, usually with conspicuous black marks and luminescent organs on abdomen, over pelvic-fin bases, on caudal peduncle, and on caudal-fin base. Two dorsal fins with a long strong grooved spine present on their anterior margins; dorsal fins small, angular, and with straight to strongly concave posterior margins; first dorsal fin usually smaller than second dorsal fin. Dermal denticles on sides in regular longitudinal rows. Head with 5 gill slits, all anterior to pectoral fins, the fifth not abruptly longer than the others; spiracles always present, large and just behind eyes. Eyes on sides of head, without nictitating eyelids.

Similar Species:

Caribbean Lantern Shark
Etmopterus hillianus

Etmopterus hillianus, Caribbean Lantern Shark. Source: Wikipedia, 01/02/2026.
Etmopterus hillianus, Caribbean Lantern Shark. Source: Wikipedia, 01/02/2026.

Caribbean Lantern Shark, Etmopterus hillianus. Dermal denticles on sides irregularly situated, not in rows. Color lighter above and with prominent black markings below. First dorsal-fin spine about opposite to pectoral-fin rear tips.

Broadband Lantern Shark
Etmopterus gracilispinis

Etmopterus gracilispinus, Broadband Lantern Shark. Source: Fishbase, 01/02/2026.
Etmopterus gracilispinus, Broadband Lantern Shark. Source: Fishbase, 01/02/2026.

Broadband Lantern Shark, Etmopterus gracilispinis. Dermal denticles on sides irregularly situated, not in rows. Color black or grey above and below,
without prominent markings. First dorsal-fin spine well behind pectoral-fin rear tips.