A strange-looking deep-sea ‘dragon’ shark has amazed spectators by appearing on a tourist beach. The pregnant Portuguese shark, typically dwelling at a depth of 3,500m below the sea, weighed 40lbs (18kg) and stretched an impressive 4ft 8in (1.45m). It was discovered on Luarca Beach, situated west of Gijón, in north-western Spain over the weekend.
Known as a Portuguese dogfish, this shark species was historically harvested in the region for its meat and oil but is now on the brink of extinction. Its diet consists mainly of fish, molluscs, and sea mammals, with occasional encounters with giant squid. However, due to overfishing and low reproduction rates, the species has dwindled, leading to a ban on its capture.
Designated as ‘Near Threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the species faces significant conservation challenges. Luis Laria, the president of the Centre for Studies and Protection of Marine Species, conducted an examination on the shark to determine the cause of its demise and the reason for its beaching.
Luis expressed astonishment at the creature’s ability to withstand extreme pressures at great depths, highlighting its unique physiological adaptations. Despite the autopsy conducted, the exact cause of death remains unclear, with suspicions pointing towards a potential injury sustained while escaping from a fishing hook.
The discovery of gestation during the examination, with 12 developing embryos in large eggs and additional undeveloped eggs, shed light on the shark’s reproductive capacity. Details from the internal examination revealed no conclusive evidence of the cause of death, although the presence of a tear in the oesophagus wall suggested a possible accidental capture scenario.
Local observers drew comparisons between the shark’s appearance and fictional characters from popular media, likening it to Toothless and Shadow from the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. This rare encounter sparked curiosity and fascination among onlookers, drawing parallels between reality and fantasy.