(CMR) The Department of Environment said the Cayman Islands now officially has sharks that can glow in the dark after a kitefin shark (Dalatias licha) was recorded for the very first time locally this past summer.
The shark was discovered at below 1000m / 3200ft of depth as part of the Department's “Deep See” exploration research using baited underwater video systems.
According to the Department of Environment, this species is by far the biggest bioluminescent shark and vertebrate found on the planet to date. Kitefin sharks have been known about since the 18th century, but it was an exciting surprise to see one in the Caribbean.
Another bioluminescent shark recently discovered in Cayman's deep waters is the rare blurred lantern shark (Etmopterus bigelowi).
According to Ocean Conservancy, Kitefin sharks live deep below the ocean’s surface in an area called (cue music) the twilight zone. This is an ocean layer around about 650 to 3,300 feet below the surface. It gets its name because it lies nearly out of reach of the sun’s rays.
Kitefin sharks get their glow in a very interesting way: through hormones, specifically melatonin, which helps humans fall asleep. For kitefin sharks, it helps them light up the twilight. Scientists are still learning how these hormones help produce this shark’s light show—it’s one of the many mysteries these creatures will take to the deep sea, according to Ocean Conservancy.
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