The goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) is often described as a "living fossil" because it is the sole surviving representative of an ancient lineage and retains distinctive deep‑sea adaptations such as an elongated snout and highly protrusible jaws
Why it is called a living fossil
The goblin shark is the only extant member of the family Mitsukurinidae, a lineage that dates back roughly 125 million years, which is why it is frequently characterised as a living fossil.
Distinctive anatomy
The species is notable for its long, flattened snout and pinkish, translucent skin, features that contribute to its unusual profile and specialised deep‑sea lifestyle.
Extendable jaws and feeding
Goblin sharks have highly protrusible, spring‑loaded jaws that can shoot forward to capture prey, an adaptation useful for ambush hunting in low‑light deep‑water environments.
Deep-sea habitat
These sharks are rare and primarily encountered in deep waters worldwide, where slow movement, poor eyesight and specialised sensory systems suit a sit‑and‑strike predatory strategy.
Takeaway
The goblin shark’s ancient lineage, distinctive cephalic profile and extendable jaws make it a striking example of deep‑sea specialization and a living link to shark diversity from the distant past.