A strange-looking deep-sea ‘dragon’ shark has amazed spectators by appearing on a tourist beach. The body of the pregnant Portuguese shark, typically found at depths of 3,500m, weighed 40lbs and measured an impressive 4ft 8in in length when it washed up on Luarca Beach in north-western Spain.
Once a common target for fishing due to its meat and oil, the shark species, also known as a Portuguese dogfish, is now on the brink of endangerment. Its diet consists mainly of fish, molluscs, and sea mammals, with occasional attacks on giant squid. However, excessive fishing and low reproduction rates have led to a decline in its population, resulting in a ban on catching them.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified this species as ‘Near Threatened.’ Luis Laria, president of the Centre for Studies and Protection of Marine Species, conducted an autopsy on the shark to determine the cause of death and why it washed ashore.
Luis described the incredible creature as capable of withstanding immense pressures at great depths. Despite not pinpointing the exact cause of death during the autopsy, they suspect the shark may have been hooked by a fishing crew, leading to fatal injuries.
The autopsy revealed the presence of gestation with developing embryos in the shark’s eggs. An irregular tear in the oesophagus indicated possible accidental capture as the cause of death. Local residents compared the shark’s appearance to Toothless and Shadow from the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, noting its unique eyes and features.