Higher classification Mollisquama | Phylum Chordata Scientific name Mollisquama parini Rank Species | |
Genus MollisquamaDolganov, 1984 Similar Shark, Dalatiidae, Scymnodalatias, Proscymnodon, Rasptooth dogfish | ||
The pocket shark (Mollisquama parini) is a kitefin shark of the family Dalatiidae, the only member of the genus Mollisquama, found in deep water off Chile in the southeast Pacific Ocean and recently in the Gulf of Mexico. It is distinguished from other sharks by two pockets next to its front fins; their purpose is not known. The pockets are large, measuring about 4% of the shark's body length. Some researchers hypothesize that they may secrete some kind of glowing fluid or pheromones.
The pocket shark is a very poorly known deepwater shark recorded from the Nazca Submarine Ridge off northern Chile. The first known specimen was an adolescent female (40 cm total length), taken at a depth of 330 m, in 1979. Nothing is known of its biology or threats in the area.
In February 2010, a 14-cm-long specimen was caught 305 km (190 mi) off the coast of Louisiana, in the Gulf of Mexico.
