3.1

Etmopterus hillianus is a small (probably to ~28 cm total length) deepwater shark with a range centered in the Western Central Atlantic from Virginia to Florida (US), Bahamas, Cuba, Bermuda, Hispaniola and the northern Lesser Antilles. Found on the upper continental and insular slopes at depths of 311 to 695 m. Easily confused with E. robinsi and little is known of its biology, although it is reported to have a small litter size of 4 to 5 young. Irregularly taken as discarded bycatch in deepwater demersal fisheries, however, this is not known to be a considerable catch. Similar to other lanternsharks for which no significant threats are apparent, this species is currently considered to be of Least Concern, although like many deepwater chondrichthyan species, more information on biology, ecology and fisheries are required. All deepwater fisheries in its range need to be carefully monitored and managed particularly as global deepwater fisheries continue to expand with the potential to negatively affect this species.