As a fan of all things marine and especially sharks, I was thrilled to read about the recent discovery of a new species of mid-sized shark in the western Pacific, the roughback bristle shark. This fascinating creature adds to the rich diversity of shark species and provides valuable insights into the deep sea ecosystem.
Enjoying a pleasant day at the beach, the sun shines brightly and the water provides a refreshing coolness. Suddenly, a striking triangular fin emerges from the water’s surface, reminiscent of the iconic scene in various shark movies such as “Jaws” and “The Shallows.” In the latter film, Blake Lively portrays Nancy Adams, a medical student seeking solace from her mother’s passing, who goes surfing in Mexico.
After spending the day basking in sunlight and salt, I’m about to catch one more wave when suddenly, a 23-foot great white shark rudely knocks me off my board and takes a chomp out of my leg. I manage to scramble onto a nearby rock, making sure I stay above the waterline for safety. However, I can feel the ominous approach of high tide.
In the far reaches of the western Pacific Ocean and at great depths of nearly 5,000 feet beneath the surface, a new mid-sized shark species was recently unearthed by real-world scientists. This intriguing find was documented in the esteemed journal Fishes.
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New Species, the Roughback Bristle Shark Discovered in the Western Pacific
By examining live specimens, catching some individually, and studying museum samples, researchers managed to discover and name a new shark species – the roughback bristle shark (Dichichthys satoi).
This creature derives its name from its rough, tooth-like skin protrusions as seen under scanning electron microscopes. These bristles resemble tiny teeth emerging from its skin. So far, they have been found only off the coast of New Zealand (Aotearoa), at depths close to 5,000 feet. The significance of this discovery goes beyond the identification of a new shark species; it also marks the creation of an entirely new shark family, Dichichthyidae.
Four other catshark species were once incorrectly classified into different families, but the discovery of the roughback bristle shark (with its distinctive eye shape, dorsal fins, reproductive features, and egg form) has significantly influenced our perspective on these misclassified species.
In their outer appearance, they exhibit a brownish-gray hue that would be hard to distinguish at the depths where they reside, which are devoid of light. Expectant females have been discovered bearing three eggs each, shaped like bananas and possessing a golden brown coloration. Scientists hypothesize that these eggs undergo development within the body until they are ready for laying, before the embryos reach their complete development stage.
Roughback bristle sharks remain a subject of ongoing exploration due to their mysterious nature. They seemingly hold dominance in their particular deep-sea domains, influencing food chains through their predatory roles at the top tier. By examining their stomach contents, scientists have discovered a diverse array of fish species and octopus beaks. These sharks reach maturity at around 3 feet, utilizing roughly 200 teeth that protrude from their jaws even when relaxed. The vastness of the ocean offers no refuge from these formidable hunters, whether in the depths or shallow waters.
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2024-07-13 18:16