Australian Lanternshark

A new species of glowing shark was discovered in 2022 and in 2025 was named the Australian Lanternshark
In the deep, shadowy waters off the northwestern coast of Australia, scientists recently discovered a captivating new species known as the West Australian Lanternshark, a bioluminescent deep-sea dweller that emits a subtle glow to navigate and hunt in the abyssal darkness.
This small shark, measuring up to about 407 millimeters in length with oversized eyes adapted for low-light environments, was uncovered during biodiversity surveys at depths reaching 610 meters near the Ningaloo region. It uses photophores—specialized light-producing organs—to create its eerie luminescence, a trait that helps camouflage it from predators below while illuminating prey above in the pitch-black ocean depths. The discovery, announced in early October 2025 by researchers from CSIRO and Parks Australia, highlights the untapped mysteries of Australia's marine ecosystems and underscores the importance of protecting these remote underwater habitats from environmental threats.