The first scientific description of the night shark was published by Cuban zoologist Felipe Poey in 1868, as part of a … See more

The distribution of the night shark extends along the outer continental shelves and upper continental slopes of the Atlantic Ocean, from the U.S. state of Massachusetts to Argentina in the west, including the Gulf of Mexico and … See more

The night shark has a slender build with an elongated, pointed snout. The nares are flanked by moderately developed flaps of skin. The eyes are large, circular, and green in life, with irregularly shaped pupils and a … See more

Fast and energetic, the night shark feeds primarily on small, active bony fishes such as mullet, mackerel, butterfish, sea basses, and flyingfish. Squid and shrimp are also sometimes taken. Most feeding activity occurs at ni… See more

Because of its deepwater habitat, the night shark is not known to pose a danger to humans. This species is prized for its large fins, which are exported for use in shark fin soup, and is also used as a source of meat, liver oil, … See more