Pregnant Megamouth Shark : Discovered
A pregnant megamouth shark, a rare and elusive deepwater species, was recently discovered washed up on a beach in the Philippines.
- Megamouth Shark is an extremely rare and unusual species of deep-water shark.
- Scientific Name: Megachasma pelagios.
- Their range is believed to span the region between latitudes 40°N and 40°S.
- These sharks inhabit the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans.
- They are found in deep, warm oceanic water.
- This species has only been observed in the wild a few times, and less than 60 individuals are known by scientists to have ever been captured or observed.
- They are easily recognised by their huge, soft head and large mouth, which is positioned at the anterior margin of the head.
- The colour varies from grey to blueish-black above and is pale grey below.
- They have a series of small, hooked teeth along their top and bottom jaws.
- They are filter feeders, and they swim with their mouths constantly wide open in order to filter out their preferred planktonic prey.
- The inside of their mouths is covered with light-producing organs that may be used to attract pelagic crustaceans and other potential prey.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
