A peculiar deep-sea ‘dragon’ shark has astonished spectators by appearing on a popular beach. The pregnant Portuguese shark, typically inhabiting depths of 3,500m, weighed 40lbs (18kg) and measured an impressive 4ft 8in (1.45m) in length when it washed up on Luarca Beach in north-western Spain.
Formerly known as a Portuguese dogfish, this shark species was once extensively harvested in the region for its meat and oil but is now on the brink of endangerment. Feeding primarily on fish, molluscs, and sea mammals, this species has faced a declining population due to overfishing and low reproduction rates, leading to a ban on catching them.
Designated as ‘Near Threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the shark was subject to an autopsy by Luis Laria, the president of the Centre for Studies and Protection of Marine Species. Despite efforts to determine the cause of death, the exact reason for the shark’s stranding remains inconclusive.
Luis Laria highlighted the remarkable features of the shark, emphasizing its ability to withstand extreme pressures at great depths. The autopsy revealed the presence of gestation, with large developing embryos inside eggs, shedding light on the creature’s reproductive cycle. Additionally, suspicions arose that the shark may have suffered fatal injuries from a fishing hook during a potential escape attempt, leading to its tragic demise.
Local residents drew comparisons between the shark and characters from the movie franchise “How to Train Your Dragon,” noting similarities in appearance. The unusual features of the shark’s eyes prompted references to characters like Toothless and Shadow from the popular animated films.