Ninja lanternshark
Etmopterus benchleyi
The Ninja lanternshark (Etmopterus benchleyi) is a small bioluminescent deep‑sea shark reaching about 32.5 cm (12.8 in). It inhabits the Pacific continental slope and is attracted to light, making it a curiosity for night‑time deep‑water anglers.
Basic Information
Family
Etmopteridae
Max Size
32.5 cm
Habitat
marine
Depth Range
836-1443m
Climate
deep-water
Best Season
Year‑round, with higher activity during summer upwelling periods
Best Time
Night, when bioluminescence and light attractants are most effective
Distribution
Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.
Fishing Tips for Ninja lanternshark
- Use a strong deep‑water setup with a 30‑80 lb test line and a steel leader to prevent bite‑off.
- Troll or vertical jig with glowing or phosphorescent lures at 300‑800 m depth; adding a small down‑light can dramatically increase bites.
- Bait with fresh squid, cuttlefish or small lanternfish strips; lanternsharks are opportunistic predators.
- Retrieve slowly and keep tension; the shark’s small size means the fight is brief but can be sudden.
Top Fishing Locations for Ninja lanternshark
Maui Deep Sea Canyon
United StatesA deep canyon off Maui's southwest coast where night-time longline anglers target lanternsharks attracted to bioluminescent plankton.
Best: June - September
New Caledonia Offshore Ridge
New CaledoniaSteep offshore ridge with nutrient-rich upwellings that bring lanternsharks to depths of 300‑500 m, a favorite for deep‑sea charter vessels.
Best: October - December
Cebu Deep Water Drop‑offs
PhilippinesDrop‑off zones near Cebu where night‑time jigging and deep‑water bait rigs have begun to yield consistent catches of the species.
Best: March - May
Okinawa Submarine Seamount
JapanA submerged seamount off Okinawa where lanternsharks congregate around volcanic vents during the warmer months.
Best: April - July
Juan Fernández Islands Abyssal Zone
ChileRemote abyssal plateaus surrounding the islands; only accessed via specialized research‑charter vessels but known for high encounter rates.
Best: November - February
Galápagos Isabela Deep Trenches
EcuadorDeep trenches off Isabela Island where bioluminescent prey draws lanternsharks into the range of deep‑water trolling rigs.
Best: July - October
Cape Town Continental Shelf
South AfricaContinental shelf edge south of Cape Town; occasional sightings have turned into reliable catches with proper gear during cooler months.
Best: May - August
Market Prices
Recommended Fishing Equipment for Ninja lanternshark
Recommended Equipment
Best bait: Fresh squid or cuttlefish strips; alternatively, small lanternfish