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Kōrero: Sharks and rays

Goblin shark

Image
Goblin shark

The goblin shark has a long, flat snout overhanging its mouth, which may help it to detect prey in deep, dark water. Up to 3.85 metres long, its body is flabby and soft, and of about the same density as water. Its jaws are seen protruding here, but they are retracted when the shark is not feeding. Goblin sharks are found around the world, but they are rare and only a few specimens have been found in New Zealand waters.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Gerard Hutching, Sharks and rays – Deep-sea and unusual sharks, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/5320/goblin-shark (accessed 24 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Gerard Hutching, i tāngia i te 2 March 2009.