A world’s first! The exhibition of a one-year-old Mollers lantern shark that was born using the artificial uterus apparatus.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is happy to announce the temporary exhibition of a one-year-old Mollers lantern shark. It was born using the artificial uterus apparatus that was independently developed by our aquarium. 

≪Mollers lantern shark≫
Scientific name：Etmopterus molleri
※Image of a one-year-old Mollers lantern shark. 

Mollers lantern shark is a small shark reaching 50 cm in length. It is widely distributed in the deep sea of the Pacific Ocean. It is called the glowing shark as it has tiny luminous organs on the surface of its body that emit a bluish light. It is an ovoviviparous yolk-dependent species that gestates around six fetuses in a single pregnancy. There is no precedence of long-term rearing of the Mollers lantern shark.

About the exhibited individual

Growing inside the artificial uterus apparatus

From April 28th 2022, the Mollers lantern shark was reared in the artificial uterus apparatus. On April 10th, 2023, a successful artificial birth took place (transfer to seawater rearing) and it has grown for another year. At birth it was 15 cm in length, and  now after one year it is 18 cm. We can gain new insights by studying its behavior, such as it feeds by pressing its snout on its food. 

To better understand this species, you can now observe a live Mollers lantern shark for a limited time. Please take this opportunity to observe the world’s first long term rearing of this species.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium will continue its efforts to learn more about the ecology of this species and other diverse marine organisms through captive breeding, exhibits, and research.

Place of exhibit

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Journey into the Deep Sea "Ocean Planetarium"

Exhibit duration

2024 April 25th～
※The exhibit may close depending on the condition of the animal.

Number of individuals on exhibit

One individual (length 18 cm)