The Giant Goblin Shark is a cryptid name given to unusually large specimens of the goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) reported from the Gulf of Mexico during the early 21st century. These individuals appeared to challenge previous size estimates for the species, leading to speculation that they might represent a distinct species or subspecies - though no such taxonomic distinction has been formally confirmed due to a lack of genetic evidence.
Background[]
The goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni), a rare deep-sea lamniform shark, was historically considered a mid-sized species. For many years, the largest confirmed individuals were believed to reach a maximum length of 3.84 meters (12.6 feet), based on documented specimens (Stevens & Paxton, 1985). However, this assumption was radically revised in the 2000s following the capture of two exceptionally large female goblin sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.
Gulf of Mexico Specimens[]
The first of these large specimens was captured in 2000 at a depth of 919–1,099 meters (3,105–3,605 feet) in the northern Gulf. Although it was not directly measured, photographic evidence and calculations based on the distance from the eye to the end of the snout estimated its total length at between 5.4 meters (17.7 feet) and 6.17 meters (20.2 feet) (Parsons et al., 2002).
A second specimen was caught and released in 2014 in the southeastern Gulf at a depth of 490 meters (1,608 feet). Similarly, it was not measured in-hand, but its length was estimated at between 4.86 meters (15.9 feet) and 6.35 meters (20.8 feet) based on pelvic fin dimensions from photographs (Driggers et al., 2014).
These two specimens significantly exceed the previously documented size of goblin sharks and suggest that M. owstoni may attain lengths rivaling the largest extant lamniform sharks, such as the great white (Carcharodon carcharias) and basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus).
Theories[]
The unusual size of these Gulf specimens sparked speculation in the scientific and cryptozoological communities. Some hypothesized that these individuals could belong to a previously unrecognized, giant subspecies - or even a separate species altogether - informally dubbed the "Giant Goblin Shark." However, without DNA analysis or additional specimens, such claims remain unverified. Sexual dimorphism is considered a more plausible explanation, with female lamniform sharks, including smalltooth sand tigers, known to grow significantly larger than males.
Fossil Evidence[]
Specimens from the fossil record further suggest that goblin sharks, or their ancient relatives, could attain even larger sizes. One notable find is an anterior tooth (NMMNH P-37728) from the Late Cretaceous shark Scapanorhynchus raphiodon, discovered in the Canyon Crevasse Formation of New Mexico. While the fossil's tooth crown measures approximately 5 cm (2 inches), scaling calculations using regression models from Shimada & Siegel (2005) yield a possible body length of 7.54 meters (24.7 feet). This would surpass even the largest known great whites, although these estimates rely on several assumptions regarding tooth placement and proportionality.
Additionally, a juvenile S. raphiodon (FHSM VP-13961) estimated to be only 59 cm (1.9 feet) long supports the idea of significant ontogenetic (age-related) growth in these species.
Trivia[]
The Supergiant goblin shark appears in Deeeep.io as a skin for the Goblin Shark.