SCIENTISTS CONFIRM FIRST-EVER WILD FOOTAGE OF RARE 'GOBLIN SHARK,' REVEALING NEW DEEP-SEA HABITATS. (PHOTO).

 Scientists confirm first-ever wild footage of rare 'goblin shark,' revealing new deep-sea habitats

Scientists have confirmed the first peer-reviewed video footage of a live goblin shark in its natural habitat, marking a major breakthrough in documenting one of the ocean’s rarest deep-sea species.

The goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni), often described as a “living fossil,” is the last surviving member of an ancient shark lineage that dates back roughly 125 million years. The species is known for its elongated, horn-like snout and highly specialized jaws that can rapidly extend outward to snatch prey. Its snout contains electro-sensing organs that detect faint electrical signals from animals in the dark ocean depths, helping it locate squid, fish, and crustaceans. Adults can reach about 10 to 12 feet in length and typically appear pale pink or ghostly white.

Researchers documented two separate wild encounters. The first occurred in 2019 when a remotely operated underwater vehicle captured brief footage of the shark at a depth of roughly three-quarters of a mile near an underwater seamount in the central Pacific. At the time, the animal was not immediately identified, and researchers only later realized the significance of the sighting after reviewing archived footage.

A second confirmed encounter was recorded in 2024 using baited deep-sea cameras along the slope of the Tonga Trench in the South Pacific. Scientists said this marks the first time the species has been observed inhabiting trench-slope environments.

Together, the sightings significantly expand what is known about the goblin shark’s geographic range and habitat use, with confirmed records now spanning multiple ocean basins. Researchers say the findings highlight how little is still known about the species, which is rarely observed alive and is most often encountered accidentally in fisheries.

Scientists involved in the research say deep-sea exploration technology is opening new windows into previously hidden ecosystems, helping researchers better understand rare marine life and strengthen efforts to protect deep-ocean biodiversity.