Anglers fishing off the coast of India recently made a surprising discovery when they found a new species of deep-sea predator tangled in their nets. The foot-long creature, identified as a previously undocumented type of shark, was unveiled in a study published in the journal Records of the Zoological Survey of India.
Researchers studying deep-sea dogfish sharks off the Indian coast for three years stumbled upon this new find. Dogfish sharks are known for their presence along the northern Pacific and Atlantic coasts, with the ability to cover long distances and inhabit depths ranging from 3,000 feet to shallower waters. These sharks can live up to 70 years and possess a unique defense mechanism – venomous spines located in front of each dorsal fin.
The newly discovered Indian spurdog, distinct from other dogfish species, was identified through DNA testing and physical characteristics analysis. This species, named Squalus hima or the 'Indian spurdog,' can grow up to nearly 1.5 feet in length, featuring slender bodies, pointed snouts, turquoise eyes, and approximately 24 rows of teeth. The Indian spurdog has been found in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Kerala, residing at depths of 1,000 to 2,000 feet.
Unlike its venomous counterparts, the spurdog shark does not possess venom, making it a less threatening discovery. This new species adds to the diversity of marine life in the region and sheds light on the fascinating world of deep-sea predators.
