Living fossil from the depths: Scientists film goblin shark in its natural habitat for the first time

The oceans are still full of mystery, and one of the latest discoveries only confirms this. For the very first time, an international team of scientists has succeeded in filming a live goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) in its natural habitat deep beneath the ocean surface. This is an extraordinary breakthrough, as this species is among the least studied sharks in the world.

The goblin shark is often referred to as a "living fossil." Its evolutionary lineage dates back more than 100 million years, and its appearance has changed very little during that time. That is precisely why it fascinates scientists and marine life enthusiasts around the world. At first glance, it looks almost like a creature from another world. It has a long, flat snout, a pinkish body, and, most notably, unique protrusible jaws that it can extend forward during hunting at a speed unmatched by other sharks.

Until now, scientists knew the goblin shark mainly from deceased specimens or those accidentally caught in fishing nets from great depths. Observing a live individual in its natural environment has been extremely rare. The main reason is that this species lives hundreds to thousands of meters below the surface, where very little light penetrates and research is technically very challenging.

The new footage was captured using special deep-sea cameras during expeditions in the Pacific Ocean. One of the sharks was recorded near Jarvis Island, and another in the Tonga Trench area. Scientists were surprised not only by the observation itself but also by the shark's behavior. Thanks to the recordings, they can now study its movement, swimming style, and reactions to the surrounding environment in detail for the first time.

According to experts, this discovery represents a significant step towards a better understanding of life in the deep oceans. Deep-sea ecosystems are among the least explored places on the planet, and many species there remain shrouded in mystery. Every such recording can provide new insights into how these animals have adapted to extreme conditions.

The goblin shark also reminds us how little we still know about the oceans. Although humanity has sent probes into space and explored distant planets, a large part of the ocean depths remains unexplored. And that is where other fascinating discoveries may be waiting.

This research is proof that even in 2026, the oceans can surprise us. The goblin shark, considered by many to be one of the strangest sharks in the world, has once again shown us that nature is much more diverse and mysterious than we often realize.

Author: Miri Svobodová

Source: Journal of Fish Biology, Live Science (2026)