Goblins From the Deep
Goblin sharks are terrifying creatures of the deep sea, with unique jaws for capturing prey.
If the name "goblin shark" sounds like it belongs to a horrifying creature, well, it absolutely does. WIRED's "Absurd Creature" column this week introduces readers to the terrifying deep-sea shark. First described in a scientific journal in 1898, the blessedly rare creature is poorly understood and should probably stay that way.
Known by the scientific name Mitsukurina owstoni, the goblin shark is believed to be a living fossil, an organism that has remained unchanged for millions of years and has few living relatives. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, the largest specimen ever found was 12.6 feet and weighed 463 pounds.
That's one big goblin.