Gulf’s Pocket-Sized Bioluminescent Shark Revealed as New Species
Scientists from NOAA announced the discovery of Mollisquama mississippiensis, the American pocket shark, a 5.5‑inch bioluminescent shark found in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s only the second pocket shark species known and differs from its Pacific relative in features like its pocket anatomy and body photophores. The glowing glands likely help with camouflage or predation, a trait that may have evolved independently in sharks. The shark was found accidentally by the NOAA Pisces during a sperm whale prey survey and is now part of Tulane’s research collection, with advanced imaging helping distinguish it from its Pacific cousin.